2024 saw a change for British police cricket with David Fraser-Darling (former BP Secretary) and Mickey Martin (former BP Skipper) moving on and Paul Sims and I stepping in.
Having spoken with Simo it was important that we made it clear what our expectations and standards were moving into the new era.
After a slightly disappointing year in 2023 our main aim was to get back to playing our brand of cricket and winning ways. Having some key members retained from previous years and some players making their BP debut this gave us the perfect opportunity to do so. With a smaller squad the aim was to push players physically however allowing them maximum opportunities to make runs and take wickets.
Off the pitch we wanted to implement an inclusive team environment where players were able to enjoy themselves whilst maintaining the professional standards of behaviour, representing British policing in the most positive and professional way. Throughout the week these standards were upheld, allowing us to have a successful, responsible and enjoyable tour both on and off the pitch.
On the Monday we played a thrown together team from Derbyshire after a late drop out from the Navy. Batting first gave us a great opportunity to see new players such as Ewan Cox (41), Ed Hyde (41) and a stand out innings from Tim Taylor with 79. These contributions allowed BPCC to reach 293 from our 50 overs.
On a flat wicket it was always going to be a tough 50 overs however, the boys bowled really well and it was good to get some overs into their legs. It was a good all-round performance with the wickets shared evenly throughout the team, allowing us to start our week with a 22-run victory.
Tuesday meant a trip to Aldershot to face the Army who we had lost to in 2023. Keen to put that result right the team we really up for this one. Winning the toss, the Army batted first getting off to a fast start at 90-1 inside 14 overs. In stepped the spinners Stuart Drakeley with 2-20 and Sam Baugh with 3-32 allowing us to wrestle back control. This was followed with Josh Johnson’s 3-23 allowing us to restrict the Army to 167 all out in 41 overs, in what was a magnificent turnaround from the bowling unit.
Will Evans got us off to a flying start with 40 off 21 balls which broke the back of the chase, supported by another new-comer, Nick Barker’s 32 and an eye-catching 60 not out from Gary Knight leading us to a comfortable victory by 6 wickets with 18 overs to spare. This victory meant a lot to us and was the highlight of the week after being up against it within the first 10 overs of the game. To show the fight and desire backed up by the skill to come back was excellent to be a part of and is exactly what we wanted to stand for as a team.
Next up was the RAF at Vine Lane, it was important to back up a positive start to the week with another victory. Having lost the toss again, we were asked to bowl first. After a good start from the opponents who were 120 for 1 after 21 over we were able to wrestle back control to bowl them out for 222. Drakeley with the standout figures of 4-43 in his 10 overs.
After another explosive start from Evans 36, we were allowed to control the innings with an excellent 67 from Ed Hyde and 72 from Tom Knight allowing us to cruise to another 6-wicket win with 4 overs to spare.
The fourth and final fixture saw us take on the Club Cricket Conference at Richmond CC. Losing the toss for a 3rd time in a row we were asked to bowl first. CCC were all out for 206 with Drakeley again taking 4 wickets. Sadly 4 wins in a row wasn’t to be after being bowled out for 142.
Throughout the week we picked up some injuries and people had to leave early due to personal reasons and I believe this caught up with us. However, that shouldn’t get in the way of what was an excellent week and one in which we made so real improvements. All games provided some excellent performances from BP players with special mention to Will Evans and Stu Drakeley who led the runs and wickets respectively after consistent performances throughout the week.
The week wouldn’t have been possible without certain people. Firstly, umpires Neil Vaughan and Dan Pedley who umpired really well and are both valued members of the travelling party. Lewis Rouse who does an excellent job behind the scenes with organisation, treasury and scoring responsibilities, again a great member of our team.
On behalf of the players the biggest thanks go to most important member on the team, physio Ian Dowling, who is there morning and night patching players up so we are able to perform to our maximum.
Final thanks to Simo who has organised the location, fixtures and day to day running of the tour. A successful first year as tour manager and has fitted in perfectly having had big boots to fill.
The players and I are already looking forwards to what 2025 will bring. The aim as ever is to go unbeaten but also to build on the reputation of police sport, which has a huge impact on us as players and police officers, allowing us to combine two of our main passions and meet likeminded people from around the country.
As captain, I believe we have the ability within the squad to push police cricket onto the next level in the coming years, what that exactly looks like I do not know but I believe there is a bright future ahead of us.
Cheers,
Tom
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