The players and umpires

On Tuesday 17^th May 2016, five pairs of cricketers took part in The Feltmakers’ Pairs Cricket Competition at Amersham Cricket Club in Buckinghamshire. The weather on the evening was unusually pleasant, being dry but with cool temperatures. This was ideal for the active cricketers, but was slightly chilly for the spectators.

Once again, Past Master Geoffrey Farr and Liveryman Richard Brumby were in charge of proceedings on the field of play, as umpires.  Each pair of cricketers tried to score as many runs as possible in their four overs, but without incurring any penalties for losing wickets, in order to win the Competition. Further runs can be gained from bowling success, or exceptional skill whilst fielding. The complex nature of the scoring system means that the winners may only emerge in the final over of the competition.

Geoffrey Farr, Master Peter Simeons and Richard Brumby

This year, it became more evident that certain participants, who had already passed retirement age, were noticing their limitations when fielding. The former sprint to field a ball, had been replaced by a gentle amble. The prospect of an energetic dive for the ball, was replaced by a shout of “Yours”, to a nearby fielder. So what we need to do, is to look for new younger participants to join the competition, who will reduce the average age, and provide increased enthusiasm and activity on the field of play.

For the first time, in the past twenty years of running this competition, two pairs were the tied winners of the competition.  Rob McLeod, husband of Assistant Sarah McLeod, and a guest tied with Liveryman Simon Curtis and a guest. Prizes were presented to the winners, and also to those performing special feats during the competition, by Past Master Geoffrey Farr.

Master Peter Simeons and Past Master Geoffrey Farr make the presentation to the winners

Afterwards, twenty three players, spectators and guests enjoyed an excellent buffet supper in the cricket pavilion. The number of regular spectator attendees indicates that the event has created a special type of camaraderie, which would be a pity to lose. The event was organised by the Master, Peter Simeons, with the assistance of Liveryman Simon Curtis.

Peter Simeons