By kind permission of the Mark Province of Middlesex, we were the hosts this year’s annual Mark Inter Provincial Cricket Tournament, which took place on Sunday 30th June between Kent, Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex at The Warren, the Metropolitan Police Sports Club in Hayes, Bromley.
Click here to view the second slideshow of photographs from the 2019 Mark Inter Provincial Cricket Tournament
The yearly competition and family day brings together teams and supporters, from the Mark Provinces of Kent, Middlesex, Surrey and Sussex with each taking it in turns to host the day. Approaching 200 people enjoyed the cricket, the surroundings and sideshow stalls which were kindly arranged by Lodges from around the Province, including Malling Abbey, Amherst, Shorncliffe & Hythe, Invicta, Lord Harris, St-Peter in Thanet and Granville.
The day saw four entertaining matches. In the first, Surrey set Sussex a target of 63 which they overcame reaching 65, without using up their allotted overs. In the second match Middlesex set Kent an impressive target of 111, which they fell well short of, regularly losing wickets to to tight bowling in their run chase, and ultimately being bowled out for 45.
Before the Middlesex vs Sussex final, a repeat of 2018, Kent took on Surrey in 3rd and 4th place play-off. Kent set Surrey a target of 96 and in a closer game than the score belies Surrey scored 63 in reply.
In the final, for the Norman Todd Cup, carrying on where they left of against Kent, the Middlesex XI batted first and set Sussex a challenging target of 107. Thanks to some more tight bowling, Sussex were restricted to 63 meaning that Middlesex were crowned champions for the first time since 1995.
The Bill Balderson Memorial Trophy for the day’s ‘Champagne Moment’ went to Simon Clare of Kent for a reverse sweep against Middlesex that fizzed to the boundary for 4!
Thanks must go to our Provincial Charity Steward, W. Bro. Brian Ward, and his organising committee, for their attention to detail in organising a most enjoyable day. Likewise, thanks are extended to the players, umpires and to everyone who attended for their continued support of this annual event. The proceeds of the day, currently just over £3,500 which we expect to increase when all donations are collated, will help to swell our 2020 Mark Benevolent Fund Festival which as you know will culminate in the Festival Celebration Dinner on Saturday 13th June 2020 at The Kent Exhibition Centre in Detling.