It couldn’t have been more perfect: clear blue skies, temperatures in the mid 20’s, the lightest of breezes, the men playing on the Main Ground with the pitch close to the Tavern Stand, and almost three dozen of us assembled there in our Society box with staff serving tea, coffee, beer and wine throughout the day. And we won the toss. Deciding to bat, we did well, finishing our 50 overs with 222 and a number of batsmen still unplayed. Amazingly we were allowed on the hallowed turf at half time – awesome, and something everyone should experience once in their lives.
Lunch followed in the Lord’s outlets or, divinely, under the trees in the Coronation Garden for those who brought picnics. And then it was Oxford’s turn, struggling at first it seemed, but then building firmly with a string of fours and sixes until, alas, they overtook us, again with batsmen to spare. The women playing on the Nursery Ground? A pretty substantial defeat by Oxford but clear determination to reverse that next year.
Both were regrettable results but none of our Society members and their guests really minded: there had been gentle joviality and bonhomie throughout, and old friends met, and new friends made, and a feeling of wellbeing on this the quietest of days in the Global Home of Cricket, reminiscent of village matches. We departed well contented, determined that the 2019 result will be as perfect as the day itself – and the Chairman having to stress that “No, you can’t have priority booking next year! It will still be ‘first come, first served!’” Not to be missed!
Organised by David Peace