2008 Team Photo

“Caster Repletis Felix Est”

Nigel "Sums" Gurney (Capt.). Now in his 21st straight year of captaincy of the Beavers he surprised himself and the rest of mankind last year by actually leading the team to three straight victories and a place in the final.He alsoactually scored a few runs. Is the Gurney luck on the turn for the better? Unlikely but he never loses faith in the abilities of his team.

Ian “Don’t call me Poohie – I’m 42 and a high court judge” Brookes. Emboldened by hitting the last ball of the 2008 sixes out of the ground, young Brooker attempted to repeat the feat at the Mote Park Sixes without a bat and has a broken right hand to show for it. Undeterred, he returns for his second tour and is hopeful of making it through the week without rupturing his shoulder again.

Adam “Jose” Barnett. The legend, the man, the hose. He’s fully trained at mouth-to-mouth and rescuing damsels in distress. Last year he toured with his sister. This year, a closer female companion will be at his side – he’s your responsibility now, Nikki!

Bart “Hose B” Simpson. Our man for a crisis. Guaranteed to be on hand to patch up the SBCC walking wounded and has a 100% record in preventing major conflagrations in the team tent. Retains responsibility for shots and general bonhomie. A diamond geezer.

Dicky “Lightning” Ford. It is proven. Lightning does indeed strike twice. Not satisfied with sacrificing a perfectly serviceable tooth in the SBCC cause early in his career, the Dickster copped another one in the chops at CM08.  Hasn’t played the tuba since. Lightning by name, frightening by nature, never more so than when steaming in off his full run – came a close second to the Chef in last year’s sprint challenge. Outstanding value behind the drums and will share his stool with anyone. Offers invited.

Chas “Boundary” Begley. Guaranteed to cross the boundary twice in every innings. Once on the way in…. The top man at Tuskers, his capabilities, enthusiasm and talents know no boundaries. Sadly, neither does his batting – if he was as enthusiastic at the crease as he is behind the bar, who knows what he might achieve? Having been crippled by gangrene to the right foot at last year’s tournament, his game has improved dramatically during the close season following the tactical addition of a wife. Will once again be welcoming everyone from the tournament to Tuskers, where life never stops (is that the right slogan? – Ed).

Matt “Apollo” Milsom. The talisman of the side: when he plays, the Beavers win. Sometimes. Left CM08 early to save the world economy and produced a record one-day rally on his return to Oz. His bowling is sponsored by the Meteorological Office due to the comprehensive weather readings obtained when his stock delivery returns from the troposphere. Legendary guitarist and head of banter.

Chris “Guilty as charged” Billingsley. A welcome return for the big man from Belfast after his unavailability last year. As the only member of the squad with any sort of cricketing pedigree, the expectations of a whole team rest on his broad shoulders. Will slot effortlessly back into his role of chief fine-master. “I knew your mother!”

Rachel “Jonesy” Begley-Begley. Without a shadow of doubt the bravest member of the squad. No, really. She married Chas. Willingly. Once again, she will be last man (or woman) standing at the bar, leaving seasoned hard-core drinkers in her wake as she pulls another Felx (“surely shome mishtake” – Ed). Will guarantee you a warm welcome at Tuskers.

Nicky “the better half” Isaacs. Having taken successfully to the role of Adam’s full-time carer, she is fast gaining a reputation as the playing members’ non-playing member. Will be invited to take on the role of team Physio, so watch out for that sponge….!