The Cardinals v The Barmy Army – Valley of The Peace – Wednesday 27 November 2024
by Colin PaintinWhat a day!
The Cardinals rocked up to the always perfect setting of the Valley of the Peace to play in a much-anticipated clash with the touring English Barmy Army. The lads all scrubbed up well in blazer and ties for the arrival of the tourists. The Barmy Army turned up in great numbers with 70+ plus members making the trip into the Valley.
After an extraordinary number of handshakes, a toss of sorts took place with the Barmy’s skipper saying to captain Stokesy you’re better than us, maybe you bat first.
The Cardinals took up the challenge and with the mandatory Dou Bros consumed, Camo and AB marched out to open. AB gave the visitors some hope with a brief stay at the crease. That hope was quickly extinguished with organiser extraordinaire Stokesy, dismantling the Barmys bowler, including dispatching a particularly tasty bouncer for 6. Camo topped up his tan at the other end whilst not facing too many balls before eventually toe ending an extreme wide resulting in an outstanding catch.
With Stokesy retired, a mini middle order collapse ensued. Including a horrendous LBW from the travelling umpire. Smitty restored order however with some lusty hitting, supported by Kezza. Bam and Queenie saw the innings out with Queenie facing three balls for three sixes. Impressive stuff.
Coming off the back of his three sixes, Queenie took the new ball with an eye-catching field of six slips two gullies, and a reluctant Kezza at point. He didn’t really bowl to his field initially cleaning up a middle stump instead but finally put one in the channel his field demanded garnering an edge to a waiting Bam at third slip.
The Cardinals all had a go at turning their arm over, some straighter than others, including an emotional return to Cardinal colours for Jimmy who was unlucky to go for a straight four along the ground to finish his set.
Regular wickets fell with the Army never in the hunt for the 170 required. So, a famous victory for the Cardinals, many many more handshakes and some beers the upshot on a day that will live long in the memory for all those lucky enough to be involved.
A big thanks to Stokesy for organising and to the Barmy Army for being great guests.
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