It is a well known fact that there are lies, lies and damned statistics - make what you want of the above facts and figures. 

Dave Archbold, chairman of  Percy Main Cricket Club chose the following players to receive a Percy Main Cricket Club cap at the post tour dinner on the Friday evening.   Dave presented the caps to:-

Tour Report

Although it was me that organised the itinerary, because it was on my home patch, and the matches were played at my home club - Percy Main Cricket Club - I know I am speaking on behalf of every player and supporter who took part in the first ever UK Tour by the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club (GBTCC).

The hospitality given to us by the players and officials of Percy Main Cricket Club was first class.  It also goes without saying, but I will anyway, that the Geordie nation were very friendly to all of the players and their wives during their four day stay on North Tyneside.

It was  pity about the weather on the Wednesday evening because to have played on the Tynemouth Cricket Club ground against what was (I know) a very strong Tynemouth select II would have been a great honour and privilege.   The GBTCC would like to thank the officials of Tynemouth Cricket Club for fitting the fixture into their busy schedule and one day we hope to get another chance to play a game at Tynemouth.

The two games we played at Percy Main Cricket Club were brilliant.   The ground and facilities were a pleasant surprise to all of the players, except me of course.   Dave Archbold, the chairman and still a fine player, worked tirelessly to make sure that everything went smoothly during our stay.   His wife Carol made the delicious teas on both days and judging by the amount that was left on both days (nothing) everyone enjoyed her cooking.

The officials of PMCC prepared the wicket and ground to a very high standard and it was on a par with Adelaide Oval #2 which we played in 2004, which was prepared by the Test Match curator and his staff.   That is the highest compliment we can give.   Thank you to Ken, Fred (who also umpired in Game 2), Blyth and of course Eddy, who kept everyone entertained in true Geordie style.

Both matches were played in a good spirit and no quarter was asked for, nor was it given.   We got ourselves into good positions in both games but could not score the extra runs towards the end of the innings' that are so decisive.

Our new players all contributed something to the cause and it is good to have them in the team.   Nigel Mill is a good all round cricketer who bats very well, bowls well and is a good fielder.   It was nice to meet his family too.   His wife Helen and his sister and husband Alan were all part of the team and long may they keep coming.

Big Brian Witham and June were welcome additions to the squad too.   Brian is a fine opening bowler who gives nothing away and on another day will take lots of wickets.   Martin Hutchinson and Catharine were good company as always and when Martin regains full fitness will be a valuable member of the GBTCC.   Steve Jackson and Ian Lewis-Jones are both good athletes who bat and bowl a little and made their presence felt.

Nick Pomone, once he learns to read a railway timetable will undoubtedly keep improving.   Our wicket keeper Derek Johnson and his wife Elaine are always welcome and Derek maintains a very high standard behind the timbers.   Ian Hillier lost his 'not out' tag but is excellent in the field and bats in the lower order very well.

Dave Parker is a class opening batsman who scored a GBTCC best yet 37 in Game 1.   He was on the wrong end of a beauty in game 2 from Craig Downie who is rated very highly up here in Percy Main.    Alistair Hedderwick as we all know is a good all round cricketer but did not do himself justice this time around.   Alistair is the instigator and  Chairman of the GBTCC and does lots of work on behalf of all of us for which we thank him.

Our new captain Colin Mitchell is a mysterious leg spinner from St Albans and a fine batsman who also works tirelessly for the GBTCC.   He also owns a tie!    This came as quite a surprise when it made it's debut at the at the dinner. Colin summing up the tour, made a very humorous speech which we all enjoyed.

Andy Knox although not well enough to play travelled up to be with us for two days and it was good to see him.   We also were without Doug Choat who is not well at this time and we all wish him a speedy recovery.   Two new players Derek Riley and Andy Fountain were meant to be with us but both unfortunately were not fit enough to take part.   We look forward to seeing all of these lads with us next time when the Aussies arrive.

It was nice to welcome Lynne Holt and her husband John at the post tour dinner.   Lynne is not only transplant co-ordinator at the Freeman Hospital but also assistant manager of the Great Britain & NI transplant team as well as being a member of the TSAGB.

I would particularly like to say thank you to my wife Christine, aka Mrs Boggy, who did lots of work and helped me with the organisation of the tour.   She also acted as tour guide and spent a lot of time with the girls on tour showing them around our beautiful corner of the world.

Finally, yours truly, Graham Marsh, "I was just happy to be here!"

We look forward to entertaining the Australian transplant cricket team - The Wombats - in the summer of 2006.

The Tour / Game 2

If I have made any errors or got your stats wrong please let me know and I will repair the damage.