On Tuesday the 20th August 2002, the Barmy Army took on a Lashings side at full strength with 9 professional cricketers at the beautiful setting of the Shenley Cricket Centre.

The event was in aid of the Leukaemia Research Fund and organised by David Folby and Phil Higgins on behalf of their Lashings team, Paul Burnham on behalf of the Barmy Army, and Mark Steer from the Shenley Cricket Centre.

Lashings, obviously aware of the strength and depth of the Barmy Army side, turned out 9 professionals in the game including Richie Richardson, Sherwin Campbell, Grant Flower, Junior Murray, Jimmy Adams, Shoaib Aktar, Chris Harris, Stuart Carlisle and Stuart Williams.

Lashings looked menacing in their black kits, especially compared to the Barmy Army side that went out in Ashes Tour T-Shirts with their fielding positions on the front. This bright idea from Paul Burnham was ruined, however, when Lashings lost their first wicket bringing on a left right combination.

The Barmy Army started with a good spell of quick bowling from Meathead and Boots, and their fielding was excellent at times. The decision to keep at least 1 slip all the way through the game, however, exposed the gaps in the field even more so than the confusion caused by the left right partnership.

The batting performance from the Lashings XI was generally magnificent and at times extraordinary. Adams hit a quick fire 50 before Flower went on to pass 70 with a 50 from Richardson. At least 200 of their 220 total came from boundaries.

Unfortunately, the game was to come to a premature end in the 27th over due to a torrential downpour. Play was resumed for a brief 5 minute spell, only for the unrelenting British rain to come back

Highlights of the day included Chris Harris bringing along his very own supporters club, who insisted on body-surfing on the rain soaked covers, and ensuring that those supporters who were not already intent on drinking their way through the day did so.

This was the first fixture between the two sides, and most definitely will not be the last as a return fixture for next year has already been pencilled in. The British weather was the only this that ruined the day in the end, lets hope next time it is kinder to us so that we can truly appreciate the fantastic surroundings of the Shenley Cricket Centre.

© Barmy Army