St Beghians Bowled Over at President’s Event

What a fantastic day at Durham County Cricket Club! If you have never experienced a quintessential English afternoon of cricket at the amazing Riverside venue, then you missed a treat. It had all of the ingredients: a beautiful backdrop with Lumley Castle and lush green hillside; a sunny Sunday afternoon, the best this year; a private executive box with balcony seating; lunch and afternoon tea; convivial company; and two of our best cricket teams playing a match in the Clydesdale Bank 40 Over League. The only downside was that the home team’s, Durham Dynamos’, hopes of a semi-final place took a battering as they suffered a comprehensive seven wicket defeat by Leicestershire Foxes. Victory was largely the result of dynamic hitting from openers Jaques DuToit and Andrew McDonald, who plundered 14 boundaries from the opening eight overs in Leicestershire’s reply.

In a picture of relaxed afternoon’s enjoyment, the St Beghians were represented by Tim Brown, David Norris, John McBryde, Michael Burn, (Oz) Allon Burn, Michael Windle, and George Robson. OSB Michael Elliott, working on the day in his capacity as DCCC Director of Corporate Sales, spent some time with us, and my wife Linda and I also enjoyed the company of good friends Mem and Hazel Tahir. Although this type of event was a first for both ladies, they were made to feel quickly at ease and would happily return for any re-matches that can be organised. George Robson, a great supporter of all matters to do with St Bees and St Beghians, admitted “Although cricket would not have been my first choice, I can understand why people talk about this great sporting facility and will certainly be on the team again next time”.

For my part, I always get a buzz from being in the company of those I consider to be very special people. For a few hours once in a while, wherever in this country St Beghians meet, we always have a bit of a laugh together, share experiences past and present, but sadly then we part company until the next time, happily feeling just a little richer because it was all so worthwhile.

Don H Williams (President St Beghian Society).

Please click here to see the photographs of the day.