Makers Enjoy England’s Record Breaking Performance
All spectrums of Makers operational teams gathered at Edgbaston for the Royal London 50 over ODI match against Sri Lanka. Despite gloomy weather forecasts a raucous Edgbaston crowd enjoyed uninterrupted play and were treated to some exceptional cricket.
Makers 20 strong ranks added to the sell out capacity crowd which saw Sri Lanka put into bat on a superb batting wicket. The visitors struggled with the English attack and mustered 254-7 some 50 runs short of what would have been a respectable target.
Early in proceedings the Australian Umpire Bruce Oxenford captured much of the discussion sporting a protective arm shield which he designed and made himself. Something akin to “Star Wars” this new addition to his apparel sought to protect him from the dangers of being hit by a cricket ball but for most is seemed to add to the array of fancy dress costumes on display at Edgbaston.
With the afternoon sun blazing down, beer and songs were in full flow and as boundaries were hit applause was punctuated by pumping music creating that carnival atmosphere. English fans were entertained by England’s 2 openers Jason Roy and Alex Hales who were both in record breaking mood.
“This was my first experience of an international cricket match, the atmosphere was great and watching so many bananas being chased by a monkey suit was hilarious”, Gregorz
The pair hit 112 and 133 respectively, Alex Hales reaching 100 in just 91 balls, between them their opening partnership saw them arrived to 256 without loss with 95 balls to spare.
This was only the 3rd time England had beaten Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in an ODI, but was the highest chase to win total producing a record opening stand and partnership.
The 256 run partnership was the 5th highest of all time in ODI history and was the first time England’s openers had both reached 100 hitting 2 or more 6’s!!
“the cricket was awesome and nearly matched by the singing of Neil Diamond oldies by certain members of the crowd.”
Martin Jones
Although the match finished 15 overs earlier than expected the revelry continued on into Birmingham visiting the famous canal side eateries, sampling Broad Streets night life into the early hours. A great day, a stunning England performance we hope that our football team has such a resourcing victory.
“A win always produces a great night,
but the group began to dwindle as the night progressed but I am reliably informed that the younger members continued to party into the night.”
Simon Lamb, MD