Little did we know that within a year of walking cricket being launched at Holyport Cricket Club we would be playing in a multi club tournament at Lords, including Sussex CCC, Essex CCC, MCC Lords, Wallington Foundation and Epsom Thoroughbreds.
Although each game allowed for teams of 8 we took every player who wished to participate (some 20+) and a number of friends/family as spectators. This guaranteed every player at least 2 games each. A small coach was hired for the day.
The games were to be played inside the Lords Indoor Cricket Centre at the Nursery end of the ground. I think some of our group wondered if we would be out of our depth especially after hearing the names of the opposition. We half expected Graham Gooch to be opening the batting for Essex and John Snow the bowling for Sussex! We need not have worried. We were competitive throughout the day and turned in some excellent individual performances. I think everyone will have a memory of a boundary hit, a wicket taken, a catch made (or dropped) and especially the humour throughout the day.
At the end of the day we came 4th out of a league of 6 including a win against MCC Lords. A tour of the ground followed including the media centre and the pavilion. This was great as many of our group had never been to the home of cricket.
Many thanks to all the staff at Lords and to Berkshire Cricket for their help in promoting the project of Walking Cricket.