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Frocester CC v North Stars Cultural and Social Club (Barbados)
Thursday 19th August 2010



North Stars Cultural and Social Club from Crab Hill, St Lucy in Barbados arrived at Frocester 
fresh from their fight into England on Tuesday. Described by tour leader Ashley Toppin 
as a cultural and educational trip to England. There were familiar faces and some first time travellers
not to mention some youth players, but without exception the excitement 
within the group was there to see in all the faces.

The whole touring party travelled from their base in Birmingham to play and socialise 
with their friends not just from Frocester Cricket Club from from the neighboring villages,
many of whom have been on the club's successful tours to Barbados. In fact it was nice 
to see so many 'locals' come along to make the day one to remember for our guest.

Revenge was paramount in the minds of the North Stars players who have suffered defeat at 
the hands of Frocester for the past couple of years now. The toss was won by skipper Ali Bray
who is very well known to the tourist for his many trips over to their home. The result was that 
Frocester were to bat first and the hope was that by reducing the game to 30 overs a 
conclusion may be reached.

The two umpires lead the teams onto the pitch for the start, with all eyes on the ever 
increasing cloud cover above. Alas after 20 overs with the score on the dreaded ' Nelson'
111 for 4 wickets and after 20 overs the rain that was forecast duly arrived.
Neither team really wanting to leave the field of play, however it was with safety in mind 
and protection of the wicket that allowed common sense to prevail and the teams left for 
their dressing rooms. The game never resumed, which was just as well as several players 
had started to have a few drinks!

Following some hot food kindly prepared by Marjorie Hawkins and Margaret Reed the presentations
were made. A fine glass engraved photo frame, included a picture of the whole tour party taken earlier
in the day was presented to Ashley Toppin. An engraved tankard was also presented to 
Mr Ralph Harris from North Stars and a few pleasantries were exchanged by both parties.

The tea ladies were presented with a tee shirt each as a thank you. Along with a couple of other 
shirts for Eric Bird and Phil Herbert, not to mention a special bottle of one of the sponsor's 
excellent Mountgay Extra Old Rum to the club .

 There was a great deal of socialising and exchanging of stories throughout the rest of the afternoon 
and evening before the guests left for the trip back up the M5. A few of the Frocester faithful stayed on
and drank for a little longer - no surprise there then!
 Despite the weather it turned out to be a very successful and entertaining day. 
The return fixture will be played at North Stars sometime in February or March 2012. 
Don't miss out and speak to Birdy about your name going on the list to travel, to meet again 
our wonderful friends from a wonderful island.