On Tuesday 1st August, 19 intrepid tourists departed St Pancras International to embark on a 3 game tour of Belgium, playing against Royal Brussels CC, Gent CC and Antwerp CC. Lets talk about the cricket first;

Game 1 Royal Brussels CC - two early wickets for Ollie Bate lured the tourists into a false sense of security. The mood changed when RBCC's fiery opening batsman squared up to the Sri Lankan Meopham Captain (he can't be named as we undertake an investigation). The opener then proceeded to hit the Meopham bowlers around the park, including some big sixes, before a brilliant catch from George Williams sent him back with a few verbal send offs to accompany his journey back to the pavilion. RBCC amassed 189 in their 20 overs with Bate, Ross Tucker and Adam Roxburgh the pick of the bowlers. In fading light, facing a red ball against a black sightscreen, it was always going to be a tough chase, and the touring side were 75 runs adrift as the game petered out to its conclusion. Some lusty blows were delivered by Hugh Bryant.

Game 2 Gent CC - Once again taking the field with a very wet outfield, Gent hit 180 in their 25 overs, most of the highlights were based upon the valiant efforts in the field, with a reported 10 catches dropped, but some comical and committed fielding efforts from Chairman Bruce Clarke and Matthew Innes standing out. Meopham gave a much more credible effort chasing this total, with Glyn Fortt narrowly missing out on an international half century, and youngsters Ollie Bate and Jamie 'jalapeno' Pepper playing fine knocks. With 30 needed off of the last over, the chase seemed over, but Matthew Innes had other ideas hitting two big maximums in consecutive balls. No further boundaries were hit though, and the tourists fell to a 14 run defeat. The game ended with Gent sending down about 50 additional balls to allow young Edward Sheppard the chance to hit a reverse sweep/scoop! Captain AB presented a special tour cap to our hosts, who kindly provided us with a veggie biriani post game.

Game 3 Antwerp CC - despite some inclement afternoon weather, a 16 over game was agreed upon. Captain Roxburgh lost the toss and the tourists took to the field once more. Jack Fox sent shockwaves around northern Belgium with 3 quick wickets, and the hosts struggled to post a big total. Tearaway pace bowler Ben Pearce sent the stumps cartwheeling out of the ground before his father and veteran spinner TP took his own first international wicket thanks to a superb catch from Roxy. 117-8 innings closed. Dave Pollard gave the tourists a great start with a beautiful smote over mid wicket, as the ball sailed over the boundary cries of 'red hen' could be heard from the visiting contingent. But the battery of Antwerp seamers got to work on the middle order. Ross Tucker and Jack Fox revived the innings and it was 26 from three overs. Tucker sadly departed for a fine 24 and we ultimately ended 17 runs short. Another game played in a great spirit and tour cap presented to our hosts.

Off the pitch - hard to put into a few words, suffice to say it was a riot. A brilliant group of guys, a few strong Belgian brews were sampled and a lot of singing was undertaken, everyone got involved. A couple of videos attached give you a little sample.

Plans and ideas already afoot for 2024......

The party in full: Tony Pearce (organiser), Ben Pearce, Andrew Bryant MBE, Hugh Bryant, Bruce Clarke, Matthew Innes, Thish Bala, Dave Pollard, Jamie Pepper, Ollie Bate, Glyn Fortt, Jack Fox, Mark Sheppard, Edward Sheppard, Ross Tucker, Adam Roxburgh, George Williams, Graham Edwards, Richard Tucker.