Cricket Match Report

A beautiful sunny summer afternoon at idyllic 18^th Century Iscoyd Park – on the borders of Shropshire, Cheshire and North Wales saw an enjoyable and friendly battle on the cricket field between Lycetts and Carter Jonas.

The cricket ground looked an absolute picture and there was a buzz of excitement as the Lycetts openers went out to bat.  Shropshire Account Executive Rob Matthews had assembled a star-studded and cosmopolitan team drawn not just from his own office, but from the Oxford, Marlborough, Ludlow, Newcastle and Berwick St Leondards offices!  There was also the added experience of Sedgwick top brass David Orrell.

This contrasted with a similarly mixed and eclectic team from Carter, with some fast looking teenagers – looking to avenge their 2022 defeat.

In short, the Lycetts batting effort was explosive and liberally dosed in skill and power!  Big Geordie hitter Thomas Hutchison (15) and Ludlow Acct Exec James Treverton (16) got Lycetts off to a great start.  Then Oxford office ‘all-rounders’ Adrian Prior (26no) and Iain Bryce (23no) whacked the ball everywhere.  There was no respite as Stewart Moss (17), Jason Dennison (17) and Will McCarter (15no) continued the onslaught as a mammoth total of 157 was set from 20 overs.  The Carter bowlers and fielders looked somewhat shell shocked.

In response, all of the Lycetts bowlers kept a vice like grip on the batsmen’s attempts to score.  Skipper Rob Matthews set the tone with a caught & bowled wicket in the first over.  Shropshire Account Handler Beth Bethan was all action and athleticism in the outfield as she fielded shot after shot.  Carter’s hopes were not helped when one of their teenage stars announced he ‘had to go’ having just hit a boundary, before mysteriously exiting proceedings. In truth only Will Bransfield (28) managed to score freely, as a flurry of wickets fell bowled, caught and run-out!  There was a stand-out bowling spell from Tom Hutchinson – who bowled one victim, had another one caught, and forced John Cooke to fall on his own stumps in terror to claim 3 big wickets.  Then, West Regional Director Will McCarter bowled a mean and fast spell conceding almost no runs, despite some frankly comedy wicket-keeping by Dennison behind the stumps, Lycetts were well in control and it was all smiles as Carter finished 68 runs adrift at 89/7.

A bottle of wine was presented to player-of-the-match Adrian Prior for his spectacular batting, and both teams and supporters enjoyed wonderful farm produced freshly cooked burgers & cheese followed by strawberries and cream – along with chilled liquid refreshment.  The match was discussed in great detail as the sun began to set, all involved already looking forward to the 2024 clash.  Who needs the Ashes when we have Lycetts v Carter Jonas?