Royal Air Force Win Lord's Armed Forces IST20

Royal Air Force Win Lord's Armed Forces IST20

The Royal Air Force celebrate their win at the home of cricket

©Andy Malthouse

The Royal Air Force won a keenly contested yet rain affected Inter Services Twenty20 competition at Lord’s on Tues 28 Jun 2011. Under heavy skies the Royal Air Force played the Royal Navy in the first game; the Royal Navy setting a challenging target of 148 off 19 overs (Duckworth Lewis score), due in no small part to some fine batting by new cap Marine Rob Urrman (73 no). 

Notable amongst the RAF bowlers was Senior Aircraftsman Rob Magee who opened the bowling with 4 overs of spin for 7 runs, taking one wicket.  The Royal Air Force chased down the target in 18 overs for the loss of 4 wickets, opener Senior Aircraftsman Ross Diver (52) the pick of the batsman.  The pick of the Royal Navy bowlers was the captain, Engineering Technician – Weapon Engineering Matt Thompson who returned with figures of 2 wickets for 18 runs off 4 overs.  The Royal Air Force won the match by 6 wickets.

Unfortunately, rain then intervened just as the schoolchildren’s Kwik Kricket display was in full flow.  Three hours of play
were lost resulting in the British Army vs Royal Navy match being cancelled.  A point was awarded to each team which ended the Royal Navy’s chances of retaining the trophy.  A disappointment for all concerned but the focus now turned to readying the playing surface for the final match.  Due to the tremendous efforts of the Lord’s ground staff, this was achieved by 1630 with the crowd being entertained by the Band of the Welsh Guards in the interim.

After winning the toss the British Army put the Royal Air Force in to bat resulting in the loss 2 early wickets with only 2 runs on the board.  The batting line up weathered the storm with some fine hitting from Senior Aircraftsman Graeme Cessford (40) and Flight Lieutenant Tim Adcock (43) allowing the Royal Air Force to post a score of 142 for 7 wickets from their 20 overs.

The pick of the British Army bowling was Captain James Hudson who returned figures of 4 overs for 23 runs and 3 wickets. 

The Army began their reply slowly as they were restricted by an accurate opening attack and ever darkening skies.  Always slipping behind the required run rate, The British Army lost wickets at regular intervals and at one stage were 37 for 6 wickets in the 11th over.  A recovery was then staged and a captain’s innings played by Major Alex Senneck (46) who helped take his side to 86 for 7 wickets.  At this stage, the match was still in the balance but the last 3 wickets fell quickly as the British Army were bowled out for 104.  The Royal Air Force won the match by 38 runs.

The Royal Air Force Captain, Flight Lieutenant Matt Compton held aloft the Inter Services Twenty20 Trophy shortly afterwards.  Senior Aircraftsman Graeme Cessford was awarded the man of the Tournament for his all round performance (79 runs, 1 wicket for 50 runs in 8 overs and a stunning off the toes catch).

Major General Bill Moore, Chairman of Combined Services Cricket, commenting on the day said:  “The weather could not put a dampener on what has been a wonderful day of cricket and celebration.  I am indebted to the Marylebone Cricket Club for their fantastic hospitality and unwavering support to the Armed Forces.  I am delighted for the players who have played at Lord’s today and will remember this event for the rest of their lives.  I would be remiss in not thanking Help for Heroes, The Royal British Legion and our sponsors Heineken and BFBS for their unstinting support.  Most of all, I would like to thank every individual who came to the ground today to watch despite the unfavourable weather forecast.  I can but hope that we will have the opportunity to repeat this marvellous event next year.”  

Keith Bradshaw, MCC Secretary & Chief Executive said: “This may only be the second year of Lord's hosting the Inter Services Twenty20, but already it's become one of the highlights of our calendar largely because of the wonderful support given to and infectious enthusiasm displayed by each team.  MCC is delighted to be able to give the finest cricketers from the three services the chance to play at the Home of Cricket and lend its support to the invaluable work of Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion."

Bryn Parry OBE, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes said: “The IST20 was an opportunity for the British public to enjoy some great cricket played by some of the tri-services best players.  We were delighted that H4H was able to benefit from the match for a second year running to help us continue to provide direct, practical support to those wounded, sick or injured in current conflicts.  We’d like to say a huge thank you to all who helped make the day possible and to those who supported it despite the rain!  We would also like to congratulate the RAF on their win.”

The Royal British Legion's National President Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely who attended the cricket match at Lord’s said:  "It was terrific to see the best of our Services cricket players in action at Lords. It was particularly heartening to see the crowd enjoying themselves despite the rain and showing so much support for the players. I am thrilled the Legion was one of the chosen charities supported by IST20 and by attending, the crowd helped raise vital funds for our brave serving and ex-Service personnel and their families.

The Legion has been providing welfare support for 90 years, which is now more important than ever for the 'Afghanistan generation' of the Armed Forces Family.  The money raised from this fantastic game will help pay for The Royal British Legion Battle Back Centre, a £30 million sports and adventure training facility to aid the recovery of injured Service personnel and we are grateful for every single donation received.  Without such generous public support over 90 years, The Royal British Legion would not be able to carry out its invaluable work every day."