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John Kettley
It was a balmy Spring evening in 1992 when I was first approached about the possibility of representing Mrs Major in a charity cricket match at Alconbury. Although I had already been a Lord’s Taverner for two years, playing in similar events with stars of stage, screen and sport, it was clear to me that I should make every effort to accept this exciting opportunity. After all, here was a chance to play alongside my boyhood heroes… and David English.
So on a perfect afternoon on 24 July I made my debut at Alconbury under the guidance of former England and Middlesex spin bowler Phil Edmonds. Equally famous colleagues for the day included Jimmy Greaves, Steve Smith-Eccles, Rory Bremner and Joel Garner.
The aforementioned David English was in opposition as usual and I was to be given a fairly ripe ‘cherry’ to pit my wits against this dashing left-handed batsman. What came next was near fantasy as English lofted my straight but tempting delivery to deep mid-wicket only for a slightly over weight Gary Newbon to reel back the years and with amazing athleticism launch himself at the projectile before it reached the boundary. This was surely one of the greatest catches ever taken in these annual cricket matches and people (well Gary) have talked about it for years. Obviously the wicket taker was overjoyed and encouraged me to take a further two wickets, though I did beg Gary Mason not to hit me!
I have returned to Alconbury in 1995, 1996 and 1999 in perfect meteorological conditions. Not surprising really because this is just about the driest area of the British Isles with an annual rainfall of about 550mm or less than 22 inches. Mind you, in 1997 about two inches of rain fell in 48 hours to reduce the Recreation Field to a bog and so this annual event went the same way as others in a not unfamiliar situation for a British summer.
However, this year I am already planning for a return to those idyllic weather conditions so familiar at Alconbury and I look forward to meeting you all once again.