But the Firsts suffered their second defeat of the season. They were all out for 72 against Belbroughton, who won by 102 runs.
There was disappointment for the Seconds too. They fell to Alvechurch and Hopwood, who scored 245 against Bredon’s 173.
The Under 12s match against Tanworth and Camp Hill was called off because of rain, but the youngsters enjoyed a lively training session in the nets at Hill Close.
Spectators at this afternoon’s friendly between Bredon Cricket Club and Bredon AFCSpectators at this afternoon’s friendly between Bredon Cricket Club and Bredon AFC
Bredon Cricket Club triumphed over Bredon AFC in a 20-over friendly at Hill Close this afternoon.
The cricketers, batting first, posted 128, while the footballers were all out for 108.
The fixture was played in its usual good spirit, and there was a lively crowd of spectators.
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.
The list will be available in full on the nationalvillagecup.com website straight after the draw.
Every year about 300 clubs from villages across the British Isles battle for the chance to play in the final at Lord’s, the home of cricket.
The competition has its origins in a meeting in the committee room at Lord’s.
Aidan Crawley, chairman of the National Cricket Association, looked out of the window and remarked that he had always wanted to see village cricketers play on the hallowed turf.
Ben and Belinda Brocklehurst formed a plan of campaign with The Cricketer.
They agreed what constituted a village, deciding that it should be a “rural community surrounded on all sides by open countryside”.
By the end of the 1971 cricket season, 785 clubs had been divided into 32 regional groups, whose local knock-out competitions would provide the starting point of the inter-group stages and thereafter the national rounds.
Here are the minutes from the October 2016 meeting of Bredon Cricket Club’s committee.
Main points: The search is on for a club coach, we’re entering three league teams again next year, new membership fees, and who’s hitting all the golf balls?
Captain for the match Charlie Cooper correctly called tails and asked to field first, explaining confidently that “we like to chase”.
Playing 10-a-side with five batting pairs, Bredon’s bowling was not at its very best, but still effective, and wickets fell regularly through the Harvington innings.
This, plus a very energetic and skilful fielding performance contained the home side to 233 from their 20 overs.
James Collins was the pick for Bredon; fast, straight and full, he bowed a miserly spell of three overs for no runs with three wickets.
All five batting pairs made a positive contribution to the Bredon total, with a more circumspect approach than in recent weeks ensuring only a few wickets were conceded.
Despite resisting the temptation to smash every ball, the scoreboard still rattled along, with many playing scoring boundaries.
Special mention goes to Tom Washbourne, who showed his older team mates the way by batting carefully but still striking two sumptuous fours.
The final word was left to George and Tolly who, batting last, put Bredon out of reach.
A tremendous over saw Tolly smash the very first six of the season and follow up with two further boundaries, leaving Bredon on 285, and comfortable winners.
A very big thank-you to Trevor and all the parents at Harvington for hosting the fixture and providing fantastic hospitality.
The hot dogs at the end of the game were delicious and we hope to return the favour next season.
Perhaps it was Will’s cheap cider that made things turn a bit surreal (he was selling off his last keg of Thatcher’s for £1.50 a pint).
We were all just enjoying the warm evening sunshine after an over 60s friendly at Hill Close tonight when this fella wandered off to his car and came back with what looked like a bazooka.
“Fancy a bit of catching practice, lads?” he yelled.
The Under 12s came out winners in a tight all-Bredon semi-final
Bredon Under 12s batted first after losing the toss, and enjoyed a great start with Ollie McGrath and Cole Notley hitting 26 off the first four overs with no wicket.
The Under 13s fought back with some tight bowl, taking several quick wickets without giving away too many extras, and putting pressure on the Under 12s, who ended on 262 for 5.
After a quick refreshment (obviously non-alcoholic, apart from Russell) and a team talk it was time for the Under 13s to chase their target.
A great opening over of pace from Isaac Tagg with an early wicket gave the team a confidence boost.
Dylan Simmonds came to the crease with several well-timed cover drives that found the boundary and put the Under 13s back in the driving seat.
Things were getting tense, with the last pair needing 30ish to win.
Reuben Pawley hit two early boundaries, leaving them needing 12 off the last over.
William Wilson was given the task to keep cool and bowl the best six balls of the season.
It went down to the Under 13s needing a six to win off the last delivery.
William kept his cool, bowling a yorker to put the Under 12s into the final.
A great game, right to the last ball, which was a credit to all the boys, who fought so hard. Well done, Bredon boys!
Thanks for all the support from parents, carers and spectators. We would love to see you all on Sunday, July 17 at Evesham when the Under 12s play Alcester in the shield final.
