at Stafford, 2 August 2002

Stafford C.C. played host to a unique cricket match this year to raise money for Leukaemia research. The game was between Stafford C.C. "Barmy Army" and a Rest of Britain "Barmy Army". Stafford are a very rare club in the fact that they have 11 players who have all watched England play test cricket away from home!!

The opposition was made up of big named tourists!!including Leafy, Gaz Taylor, Ginger Tony, The Derby boys Dougie, John and Scottish John, Surrey Mark, Ricky and they were captained by The Bails!! So everyone took this game ver seriously indeed.

Stafford BA batted first in the 30 over a side match (after 90 mins play was lost to drinking!)

Barmy Army Stafford v Barmy Army ROW, Stafford CC 2002 Photo © Barmy Army

After struggling at the start Stafford managed to score an impressive total of 180 for 9 wkts. Main run scorers were Pies who ended up 67 not out, this despite the fact has we flattened by a ball hit by his step father "Barney" and he later found out his jawbone was cracked!! Barney also chipped in with 33 and Chas scored 30. (he was with a different girl to the one seen with him in CHRISTCHURCH!!!)

Top fielding honours went to Leafy who took 3wkts and Boz who took 2 wkts. Derby Dougie also starred as he took catches and stumping whilst wicketkeeper and had a bowl and got a wicket! Top all round performance.

In reply the Rest of Britain BA scored a respectable 160 with the main scorers being Leafy 37 and Trevor 37. This was a special day for Trevor as it was at Stafford C.C. during there innings that he and Danni got engaged!!! Marriage to take place in Sri Lanka next Dec during test series.

The main threat to Stafford was Worcester Boz ashe is a star bat, but after 6 pints before the game he was out 2nd ball for a Duck. The star of the show and correctly named Man of the Match was Sheffield Weds John who playing in just his 1st game of the year took 5 wickets for 5 runs!! Also in the wickets was Pies 3, and Chas 2.

The day was rounded off with an excellently worked out fines system and an auction with all money going to charity. This was organised by Darlene and Alex

Total raised for the day was £786.49

Stafford C.C. would like to thank all for travelling to play and we have already booked the pitch for the rematch next year which will take place on Friday AUGUST 1ST.

Rest of Britain beware though as at least 25 members of Stafford C.C.are going to Australia this winter to watch the Ashes, so our squad next year will be even better and stronger!!!

Pies (stafford C.C.)

© Barmy Army