Special memorial match:

 

Hook XI (156 for 6) beat Pembrokeshire Over 50s (113 for 6) by 43 runs

Umpires: Gareth Brace and Simon Richards
Scorer: Joy James
 
A large crowd recently turned out at Hook Cricket Club for the inaugural memorial match in memory of Nicholas ‘Bambi’ Absalom. Bambi’s family organised the celebration day at the club with the T20 cricket match being the centrepiece of the day, writes Jon Willington.


Bambi recently passed away after a battle with Covid-19 and the day provided a fitting celebration of his life and involvement in the club and wider Hook community.


He was an immensely popular guy, which was clearly evident from the large
turnout and support for what was a wonderful day.


Bambi’s family members fittingly played a central role in the match, carrying out the toss, delivering the match ball onto the pitch, as well as Bambi’s nephew, Wayne Griffiths, returning to cricket after many years away, to play for Hook.

The match itself was a tribute to Bambi with plenty of big hitting, smiles and a great spirit between the players; the hallmarks of the man himself.



 

Hook reach competitive tally

 
Hook batted first and amassed a competitive 156 for 6. After a steady start, Aled Phelps batted very well for his 37, setting the platform for Craig Nutty to play the innings of the day.
 
Nutty notched 50 from only 22 balls, hitting six big sixes and three fours before retiring unbeaten. Brennan Martin hit a brisk 17 with Bradley Flood batting really well in the late overs for his unbeaten 22.


For the Over 50s, Mark Hicks led the way, picking up 3 for 24, well supported by Kerry Waters, who claimed 2 for 18. There was no evidence of this being an Over 50s team in the field as to a man, the Pembrokeshire players chased every ball hard.
 
Huw Griffiths, was perhaps the only exception to that as he ambled around on the boundary for 20 overs, but nevertheless pouched two very good catches in the deep.
 

‘Stumpy’ leads county response

 
In the Pembrokeshire response, it was fitting that the first over was bowled by Wayne Griffiths and it was Martin Thomas who provided a great start to the chase with a hard hitting 54 retired.
 
‘Stumpy’ hit three big sixes and four boundaries in an excellent knock, alongside good contributions from Paul Mansbridge and Andrew Harries with 15 and 14 respectively.
 
But the Hook bowlers managed to stem the flow of runs, ultimately seeing the Over 50s fall short. For Hook the leading bowlers were Bradley Flood 1 for 9, Callum James 1 for 14 and skipper Matthew Holder with 1 for 17.
 

Jon and Jamie both delighted

 
Following the match, Jon Willington paid tribute to Bambi and his family and thanked everyone who turned out to support the day, before a memorial bench was unveiled, which will provide a fitting and lasting tribute to Bambi.


Jamie Phelps, who organised the match on behalf of Bambi’s family was delighted with the success of the day.
 
“It was great to see so many people turn up today. It was really fitting and showed how popular Bambi was. I cannot thank people enough, especially the boys who gave up their time to play and Gareth and Simon for umpiring the match. It was an emotional day for the family but the club has done them and Bambi proud.”


Hook: Matthew Holder, Wayne Griffiths, Jamie Phelps, Lee Morgan, Jacob Lay, Aled Phelps, Brennan Martin, Callum James, Craig Nutty, Bradley Flood, Jon Willington.

Pembrokeshire Over 50s: Phil Jones, Paul Mansbridge, Huw Griffiths, Kerry Waters, Martin Thomas, Andrew Harries, Mark Hicks, Hywel Gibbs, Dean Flood, Ian Milsom,
Neal Williams.