Accountants Vantis Plc recently challenged solicitors Clarkson Wright & Jakes LLP to a ‘friendly’ cricket match, which took place on Wednesday 2 July. Despite CWJ’s recent lack of success in sporting events, the challenge was accepted, probably based on the offer of a BBQ rather than any notions of victory!
The match took place in the Sevenoaks area at the charming and quaint Ide Hill Cricket Club. Several supporters from both sides attended and enjoyey the countryside backdrop on a warm summers evening. Sadly for the players, supporters also got first choice over the fantastic BBQ food while the match took place!
Special rules were put in place for the match. These rules included: 15 overs per team; batsman only allowed to score a maximum of 25 runs each before retiring; bowlers had to bowl a maximum of 3 overs each; no one could be “out” on the first ball. The last rule spurred several slogging attempts when a new batsman took to the crease. Despite the honest nature of the two professions, umpireship was shared to ensure fairness and equity, with huge cricket fan Deepak Gupta taking the honours for CWJ.
Vantis were up first and reached less than 80 runs in total. This was down to top draw bowling by Billly Warner who secured two Vantis wickets, Peter Giblin took a wicket with his first ball and a sun-blind catch from Stefan Hagan. Nick Gunson impressed as wicket keeper and captain Andrew Wood took pride in organising his fielders.
After a food break, CWJ’s opening batsmen managed to obtain 47 runs between them with a 25 not out retirement and a 22 from Stefan. This opening ensured a quick win, with William Addis securing the win in style by hitting a four.
Post match food and drinks between players and supporters ensured that there were no hard feelings and there has even been talk of a rematch next year! Lets hope that CWJ can use this sporting success to spur on a successful run as long as the barren spell which has just been endured!
A special thank you to Shirley Caddock from Vantis and Kim Ewins from CWJ for organising an extremely enjoyable evening.
