Flyford lose close game the result of which really was secondary to this now important annual fixture

 

Report by Joe Chapman

 

Of all our fixtures in the calendar, superbly put together by Walks, the Flyford Flavell v DC United poignantly jumps out of the list these days. In memory of our beloved Domo Chapman, Flyford's number 17, who lost his life in April 2022, a union has been formed between his cricket team and the football team named after him by his pals.

 

In what has been a chilly and often drizzly June, Domo must've had a word with the Big Man up there because this fixture - the second of its kind - was played in pleasant circumstances, a cool summer evening beneath a clear sky. Kudos once more to groundsman Derek, who has produced a great playing surface after a difficult spring and accommodated a bumper crowd.

I've never seen so many Flyford players in one place at one time, aside from perhaps an AGM or while away on tour. As many as 14 players attended this special meeting and rotated the fielding responsibilities amongst themselves. John and Malcolm were on the barbecue, and Joe Allsop had provided the speaker for some music. The scene was set.

There was a healthier turn out of DC players this year, too, which made for a better spectacle to both watch and participate in. With one or two running late - no names mentioned - it was decided that the visitors would bat first to ensure the game could get underway before the dark closed in.

It was a mixed bag of a start for DC, who had won the only previous instalment of the match a year ago at Cutnall. While Dan Cotterill was able to hang about and eventually went on to retire at 31 not out after lofting Josh Nullis back over his head, at the other end wickets were falling quickly. Tom Dale couldn't do much to repel Joey Poole, and Luke Wall - the DC manager - followed the very next ball.

Simon Tibke continued his excellent form from the weekend to strike, as did brother Michael who had made the jaunt back to Worcestershire along with the rest of the Tibke clan. Josh also claimed a wicket, to leave DC at 95-5 after ten overs. It appeared as though they were on course for north of 180 but Flyford dragged them back admirably in the middle overs.

DC did get the score up to a competitive total, though, thanks largely to Kieran Wilkins and Jord Lewis, who teamed up to put on a fruitful partnership. That was complemented by some very useful runs, too, from James Wood, although Cal Goddard, James Logan-Wintrip and myself didn't hang around long enough. DC would, after a quick burger and hot dog break, look to defend a little over 160.

The chase was enticing. Flyford batted deep, with Messrs Poole, Tibke, Miller, Beavan, Davy, Walker, Allsop, Ware and Teal to select from among others. The latter pair strode to the crease and George proceeded to take me around the ground for 22 in the first over, before whippersnapper James took his bails swiftly after from the other end.

Benny played some nice shots but DC bowled well. Kie's spin was tight and Dan Miller and co struggled to find too many gaps. Captain Jord turned to Goddard and Cotterill to complement the bowling unit. For the second half of the chase, though, Flyford were looking at between 10 and 11 runs an over and, with Poole and Beavan at the crease at the end, they came up a matter of runs short.

Played in a brilliant spirit, the result - like many Flyford matches - was immaterial. Around 200 quid was raised on the night for a brilliant cause in the Injured Jockey's Fund, a charity which aids those who partake in a sport which was particularly close to Domo's heart.
An extended thank you to all who came, who played, who watched, who donated and who cooked. Bring on the third edition in 2025!