CPCC v Bradfield: The drive through the Peake district was an eye opener for some, especially those in the back seat of the support car as we wound rally style through Lancashire to Derbyshire to Yorkshire over snake pass. Our reward for the winding country drive was a sensational farmers lunch at the Plough Inn, sponsors of Bradfield Cricket Club. The village of Low Bradfield surrounds the village green where CPCC took on Bradfield in an Ashes match. Camo won the toss and chose to field. A steady start from TC and Dee was not able to break the Bradfield opening stand and the young Bradfield openers grew with confidence. Bradfield built their innings and had two men retire before CPCC made the first break through.
A good catch at cover by Forbes off Langy raised CPCC spirits and wickets to Jakey and Artie ‘contained’ Bradfield to 236 off their 40 overs. Had some difficult chances been held, especially parried sixes to TC and Steely, the score may have been less. Unfortunately the CPCC innings could not build momentum enough to challenge the Bradfield score. Useful contributions from Deano (31) and Steely (17*) later in the order pushed the CPCC total to 136. Following on from a wonderful tea (including locally baked scones) the Bradfield locals put on pies and mushy peas for supper. A ride across the north of England had the Tour bus safely deliver the Tourists to the ancient walled city of York, ready for the third leg for the 2009 Tour. (Report from T Horstead)