By Jon Swain
As I write, England are about to play Australia in the World 20/20 Cup Final. Your very own team at The Lee has also enjoyed a successful start to its season. Three straight wins for the 1st XI including the first League match. In a further uncanny parallel with the national team, our adopted South Africans have performed with distinction. Warren Davies has led the side with great purpose. Donald Peans scored a magnificent 144 not out against Chearsley and home-grown Mike Lapham took 7-36 in the same game. The other adult teams have not played much as yet but the junior section teams are winning and players have performed with distinction. Against Phoenix Old Boys (were they young when they rose from the ashes?) Julian Swain scored his maiden century, 103 not out, playing for the adult 2nd XI. We believe that makes him the youngest ever centurion at the club at 14.
The clubhouse now sports a magnificent, bespoke weathervane, kindly donated by ‘Bookworm’ (see Newsletters passim) which sets off the building, which is receiving finishing touches as I write. A film crew is due to record some cricket as part of a documentary based on Mike Senior’s book about WW1; to be shown on Channel 4 within the next few months. The players will be donning neckerchiefs, moustaches and heavy boots accordingly.
Everyone is welcome at Manor Park, so come and support your cricket club!