After one of the wettest summers on record, the Warwickshire Taverners 2012 tournament reached a thrilling climax at Edgbaston on September 14.
Warwickshire County Cricket Club allowed The Lord's Taverners and KPMG to contest the final on the centre strip at the ground as used for the England v South Africa T20 match that took place the night before and the game didn’t disappoint.
Both teams had full access to the facilities at the stadium and took their places in the home and away dressing rooms and the players responded to the big match atmosphere.
The Lord's Taverners batted first and posted 171 for 8 in their 16 overs which was a very competitive total. Dan Morgan hit 36 before retiring and big hitting Chris Lloyd-Smith reached 21.
In response KPMG chased hard but in the end they fell short by 45 runs after they could muster just 126.
Dan Morgan took the man of the match award for his batting performance and also his performance with the ball.
Following the match the trophy was presented to David Price who is a committee member of the West Midlands region and captain of the Lord’s Taverners.
He assumed the role for the day as captain Andy Thomson was at a wedding with other regular Andy Lee. Both may struggle to get back into the winning team but congratulations must go to Mr and Mrs Partington on an excellent wedding.
Tom Burn of Savills was awarded batsman of the tournament for his consistent big hitting. His six over extra cover in the semi final was worthy of the award alone.
Andrew Sinclair of newcomers DAC Beachcroft was the bowler of the tournament having stripped off his keeping pads to take four wickets including narrowly missing out on a hat trick. Gary Callow of Investec Wealth and Investments won the Champagne moment of the tournament.
When umpiring at square leg he was caught snoozing and gave a very harsh run out decision with his own team member seemingly already well past the stumps.
There will no doubt be a full time umpiring slot for him in next year’s tournament.
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Gateleys won the ‘Team Spirit’ award which was a hospitality box for 24 people to enjoy a Warwickshire T20 game in 2013 to include a two course buffet lunch and all the trimmings.
Unfortunately there was nobody there to claim the prize but Lord’s Taverners regional chairman Simon Gill is sure to claim the hospitality.
David Foster took home the raffle prize which was a bat signed by the championship winning Warwickshire CCC. Incentives for all in next year’s tournament.
Despite the damp summer, the tournament concluded with both teams enjoying the chance to play at Edgbaston with the Lord’s Taverners managing to deny KPMG another victory and break their winning run.
Huge thanks must go to Warwickshire County Cricket Club for hosting the final and putting on the event afterwards and all those who helped run the tournament with special thanks to Alan Thomas for getting the ground fit to play and Sarah Long for doing a remarkable job with the administration.
The tournament was played in great spirit with many memorable moments. The Lord’s Taverners charity is sure to benefit from the continued support of the teams and participants.
The 2013 tournament looks like being even stronger than this year with all hoping for a dry and hot summer.
To take part email slong@meritofs.com.
