Tue, 24 Sep 2013
The Anthony Barker QC Memorial Shield, a six-a-side floodlit cricket tournament, has raised a total of £3,253.67 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
The tournament, organised by No5 Chambers, is a tribute to Mr Barker QC, a former Head of Chambers and Head of the Criminal Group, who sadly passed away in March 2012 after a long and brave battle against cancer.
The teams that competed were Wragge and Co, Kennedys, DBS Law, Irwin Mitchell, Outspire Group, Morris Orman Hearle, Regulatory Legal, RCA Regeneration, No5 Clerks, No5 Personal Injury, No5 Crime and the winners of the Anthony Barker QC Shield 2013, Higgs and Sons.
Although the weather looked fairly bleak in the morning, the rain cleared to allow the competition to commence. A bowl out replaced the games in Round 1, which produced much drama and play finally got underway shortly after 3pm. The 12 group games of 5 overs a side were played on both grounds at Moseley Cricket Club and produced some interesting cricket. With several teams finishing on level points the calculators were required to work out run rate and the semi-finalists. An unfortunate moment in the day saw Phil Haslam of Regulatory Legal suffer a heart attack. Tahir Mahmood and Stephen Nye were at hand to administer CPR and managed to revive Phil has the paramedics arrived. I am pleased to report that Phil is on the road to recovery.
The semi-final line- up was confirmed as follows: Morris Orman Hearle v No5 Crime and Higgs and Sons v No5 Clerks. Both games were closely contested affairs as the floodlights began to take effect providing the players with a unique experience. No5 Crime managed to secure a berth in the final by successfully chasing a target of 77 set by MOH without losing a wicket. Gibbon 26* and Roche 25* were the main contributors for MOH, however their bowling let them down, a record number of extras at 30 along with Ford 23* and Hann 24* were enough to see No5 Crime over the line. In the second semi-final Higgs and Sons posted 71 with Lycett hitting 28*. No5 Clerks seem to struggle batting under lights and their innings never got going apart from Parks 25* and fell 10 runs short.
The final got underway at 10.00pm with the flood lights taking full effect. No5 Crime won the toss and elected to field having successfully chased in every game. Lycett continued his excellent form and struck 26* which enabled Higgs to set their opponents a target of 69. The No5 Crime response got off to the worst possible start with Ford dismissed with the first ball of the innings. Hann 22* led the recovery but it was not enough as they finished on a disappointing total of 43. Higgs and Sons were worthy victors having played some excellent cricket during the day.
Paul Bleasdale QC along with Kate Barker presented the Shield to Nick Taylor from Higgs and Sons. Simon Lycett was Player of the Final for his match winning contribution. Players of the Tournament awards were given to Tahir Mahmood from Kennedys and Stephen Nye from Irwin Mitchell for their life saving efforts earlier in the day.
Thanks go to the individuals and businesses that donated prizes for the raffle and silent auction, which helped to raise £3,253.67 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Please click here to view more photos of the event
