The first session of All Stars Cricket at Bredon gets under way
All Stars Cricket, the new ECB-backed programme of cricket coaching for five to eight-year-olds, got under way at Bredon Cricket Club this afternoon.
More than 20 children turned up for their first lesson in the basics of the game.
It was the third-best attended All Stars session in Worcestershire, a tribute to the club’s growing reputation for the quality of its coaching and friendly welcome.
The All Stars coaching was followed by coaching for the other junior age groups at the club, and it made for a lively evening with dozens of families socialising at our picturesque ground at the foot of Bredon Hill (see video below).
All children attending All Stars receive a backpack of cricket goodies, including a bat, ball, water bottle, personalised shirt and cap to keep.
They will be taught the fundamental skills they need to play, including how to:
Online entries to the 10km trail run through some of Worcestershire’s most beautiful countryside close on Sunday (May 21).
The marshalled route begins and ends at the cricket ground and follows pretty country lanes, tracks and paths to the 299m summit of Bredon Hill.
The hilltop is marked by an Iron Age fort and the 18th-century Parson’s Folly tower, and it boasts glorious views of the surrounding countryside.
Entry to the run at 10am on Sunday, May 28, costs £10 and includes a pre-race warm-up led by a qualified Zumba instructor.
Afterwards, participants and their families and friends will enjoy musical entertainment at the club from the Malvern Hillbillies, who specialise in old-time Americana music.
There will also be a barbecue, and the club’s licensed bar will be open. There will be a bouncy castle for younger children.
All entrants receive a finisher’s medal, and there will be trophies for first male finisher, first female finisher and first male and female member of Bredon Cricket Club to finish.
Run organiser Jennie Warren said: “We are delighted by how many people will be joining us for the tower run. It is going to be a fabulous day.
“But anyone still thinking about taking part shouldn’t leave it much longer, because our online entry system closes on Sunday.”
Top team: The Under 12s pictured last season. They’re bigger and better now!
Following defeat in their first game of the season, Bredon Under 12s bounced back with a close victory at Alcester and Ragley Park in a low scoring but very exciting game.
Having been asked to bat first in difficult conditions, Bredon scored 245-6 off their 16 overs.
In reply Alcester and Ragley always appeared to be just ahead, and with their final pair coming to the crease needed six runs to win.
However, Bredon’s bowlers reeled off four tight overs, and, backed up by some top-class fielding, two further wickets were taken and the home side fell three runs short on 242-5.
As traditional as the game of village cricket is the afternoon tea.
Teas are usually provided by the wives/girlfriends/families of the players.
I was truly daunted by my first cricket tea, but with a little help and a bit of practice I now have it down to a pretty fine art.
Here are some tips to get you started:
The tea rota is on the noticeboard in the clubhouse. If you are interested in providing a tea, please add your name to the preferred date and let me know.
My contact details are on the noticeboard or printed in the yellow fixture booklet. Any help is greatly appreciated and really spreads the workload.
If, for any reason, the game is cancelled the team captain or myself will let you know.
I usually shop on Friday evening, having checked the weather forecast first!
I cater for about 30 people (15 on each team), and like to be in the clubhouse setting up by 3.30pm.
Check the number of overs that have been played to gauge how quickly you need to get ready.
If you are in any doubt just ask one of the players waiting to bat. They are always very happy to help!
The first thing I do is put sufficient water in the urn and put it on.
Lay out your selection of afternoon tea, putting a pile of plates at one end, cups at the other. I also have a jug of squash in case not everyone is having tea.
I usually provide a mixture of savouries, sandwiches and cakes.
Savouries might include mini pork pies, sausage rolls, samosas, cocktail sausages, pizzas etc.
Lucy Donovan, right, suggests arriving at the game by 3.30pm to start preparing your tea
Sandwiches – three loaves of bread made into two fillings such as ham, egg, tuna etc. By the way, apparently the crusts are meant to be cut off!
A selection of four family-sized cakes – sponge, scones, traybake.
Sometimes I add a dip with cucumber, carrot sticks and pepper.
Cheese and crackers are popular too.
I always have a plate of fruit (watermelon, grapes, strawberries) and a couple of bowls of crisps.
You will also need a pint of milk.
Once teas are finished and play has resumed the washing up needs to be done.
I do it by hand rather than use the dishwasher, but it’s up to you.
All plates, cutlery, mugs, glasses etc need to be washed, dried and put away. I always take my own washing up kit.
Wipe down all the tables, work surfaces, sweep the kitchen floor if necessary etc.
Please make up two jugs of squash and leave them in the fridge for the next drink break.
Most importantly, don’t forget to be reimbursed your tea money before you go. You will receive £40.
I really enjoy providing cricket teas and hope you do as well. Your delicious afternoon tea will be thoroughly appreciated by all the players, umpires, scorers and spectators.
Should you have any questions my number is available from the clubhouse noticeboard or is printed in the yellow fixture booklets.
A solid performance from Bredon’s Under 11s, including some excellent bowling and fielding, saw them post 263 against Exhall and Wixford’s 231 on a sunny Sunday morning in one of the league’s most beautiful grounds.
Let’s face it. If it was easy you wouldn’t get that fabulous feeling of achievement afterwards. It entails a 299m climb, but you will feel much greater satisfaction at completing the run than from a flat 10k. And remember you don’t have to break any records. Take your time, walk if you need to, and just enjoy an amazing running experience.
2. The views are breathtaking
Runners will enjoy stunning views on the tower run course
Few people reach the top of Bredon Hill and are disappointed by what they find there. The iconic 18th-century tower (Parson’s Folly) and the atmospheric Iron Age fort are fascinating in themselves, but the biggest treat lies in the sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham, south to the Cotswold Hills and west to the Malverns. It is countryside that inspired the poetry of A E Housman, and it is simply breathtaking.
3. The entertainment is terrific
Completing the tower run isn’t the end of your day at Bredon; we are laying on a big party for all our runners. There will be a barbecue and cake stall, and Americana music from the Malvern Hillbillies band. Our fully licensed bar will be open, and there will be a bouncy castle for younger children. Our cricket ground at the foot of Bredon Hill is the perfect place for friends and families to watch the runners cross the finish line and help them celebrate their achievement.
4. It’s a bargain
Entry to the tower run costs just £10. That compares extremely well with other trail runs of similar length. Parking is free too, and there is no charge for guests who simply want to enjoy the hospitality and music at our picturesque cricket ground and soak up the atmosphere of the run.
5. It’s so good for you
Trail running works your muscles, tendons and ligaments differently than running on the road or treadmill. And running trails uphill or down not only builds your cardiovascular engine, it strengthens quads, glutes, calves, and core, according to Men’s Fitness. Tackling the tower run will also improve your balance and proprioception (your body’s ability to know where it is in space), a benefit that carries over into all the other sports and activities you do.
6. You’ll be helping two very good causes
Part of your entrance fee will go towards the Midlands Air Ambulance. Photo: Midlands Air Ambulance
We are not asking people who enter the tower run to seek sponsorship, but their entry fees will go towards what we think are two very good causes. One is the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. It receives no government or National Lottery funding, and more than £7 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational. The other beneficiary of your entrance fee is us, Bredon Cricket Club. We are a community asset, and we field three adult teams and several junior teams in local leagues. We are proud of our record of introducing scores of youngsters to the national game of the English summer.
Bredon’s First XI have started the 2017 season with three straight wins, and hope to improve on performances last year, including Sunday matches, pictured last year
Bredon Cricket Club’s First XI are enjoying a winning start to the 2017 season.
They ended an away match 160-2 against Oldswinford and Stourbridge Social’s 158-10 today.
The team have won all three of their league games, as well as a pre-season friendly against Tewkesbury.
The Sunday team posted 173-9 against Harvington’s 71 to go through to the second round of the National Village Cup where they will take on Bewdley on Sunday, May 14.
The Second XI are still looking for their first victory, while the Third XI have their first fixture of the season, against Ombersley Taverners, on May 20.
The Under 13s’ first game of the season ended in defeat against a strong Kidderminster side.
Well done to all our teams. The whole club is behind you!
Results in full here, or click the link in the menu.
