Roosters match a big all-round success!

After months in the planning, BRCC took part the most unique T20 match of the season, when on June 18th we hosted The Roosters – A Dutch touring side, enjoying a cricket and golfing tour to West Yorkshire.

With an average age of 54, the Rooster’s 30 strong touring party brought mountains of experience with them, with a number of their Members having played for the national team, and many others within the equivalent of county cricket over in the Netherlands. They also boast one PJ Bakker in their ranks, who played for Hampshire CCC in the late 80s and early 90s, where he was the County's leading wicket taker in the 1989 season.

BRCC picked a team in the spirit of the match, with a few ‘wiser’ heads joined by one or two promising youngsters.

When the action started, The Roosters batted first, posting a highly competitive total of 158 off their 20, with one or two of their XI showing clear signs of having seen cricket at a higher level in their time! BRCC’s reply began with father and son Neil and Charlie Hatton taking to the crease, and despite our U17 wicketkeeper Chris Maunsell taking the fight to the Roosters, finishing on 31, we fell well short of their total – All out for 98.

After the match players and supporters from both sides made their way up to Club sponsor, The Wheatley Arms, where food was put on and one or two drinks enjoyed. Team captain AJ lead the after match speeches by formally thanking The Roosters for the game, and presented them with a unique pennant of the match. The Roosters proved to be great company, and as explained by JFarmery, one of our XI, “They were a great bunch and obviously enjoy their cricket and ale!”

Thommo fires one down at a Roosters batter

Perhaps the most pleasing aspect of the event was how the whole Club came together to support it – Along with some very familiar names throwing on their whites again, Chairman Robin Snook manned the BBQ, Club Secretary Matt Grimes umpired the match, junior Will Langan took the ‘official’ photos of the event and U17 player Siôn Blears scored for the match, with Stuart McKinnon-Evans casting an eye over the book with him.

As well as proving to be a lot of fun, the event also helped raise much needed funds for the Club, including a very generous donation from The Roosters themselves.

More photos courtesy of Will Langan can be found on our Instagram account HERE

Many thanks to all who were involved and we look forward to welcoming the ever youthful Roosters back to the Club in the near future!