Annual Cricket Match 2026

Another Cricket Day to Remember: Sandwiches, Scones, Pimm’s and very gentle Cricket   

Once again, the mercury soared — touching 31°C and promising to be every bit as warm and wonderful as last year, and our spirits remained delightfully high in spite of the heat.  That said, the sun never truly broke through and stayed hidden behind a soft veil of cloud all afternoon, and there were even a few teasing drops of rain.  Sonya, ever-prepared, shielded her head with aluminium foil — absolutely determined not to let even the merest hint of rain spoil her hair and thereby the whole day.

We didn’t settle at our usual familiar spot under the splendid leafy tree this time, with no sunshine to speak of.  We were kindly offered a place under one of the supplied gazebos instead and settled in comfortably there.

Nine ladies ventured out once more to that pleasant stretch of English field in Nord Park, Düsseldorf, where the BBCD batted off against Christ Church in what is fast becoming our most beloved annual tradition.   Folding chairs, and a plentiful supply of good humour made the journey with us.

Truth be told, few of us were watching the ball with any great seriousness — we were there for the company, and most especially, the feast… most of us had brought our own drinks, though we did enjoy the Pimm’s supplied by BBCD, for which we gave a little donation.  Gail had baked delicious muffins, and Sonya brought a few tasty sausage rolls.

The spread, supplied by the BBCD was, if anything, even more tempting than before: delicate, crustless sandwiches, fresh and fragrant; warm, buttery scones baked again by Joyce’s own expert hands, ready to receive lashings of strawberry jam and thick, luxurious clotted cream; and pitchers upon pitchers of Pimm’s, perfectly chilled, sparkling with ice, crisp cucumber slices, and bright sprigs of mint — because as we all know by now, proper hydration is absolutely essential !

From our sheltered vantage we heard the satisfying thwack of willow on leather, the occasional hearty cheer, and polite applause drifting across the grass.  Every now and then someone would glance up, squint toward the grey sky, and ask, “Who’s winning ?” — a question that usually met with a cheerful shrug, a knowing smile, and another slow, refreshing sip.

As the afternoon unfolded and the light softened, it became perfectly clear once again: on days like this, cricket is not really about boundaries or wickets at all.  It is about friendship, laughter shared under shelter, the taste of summer in a glass, and the quiet joy of gathering together.

Oh… and just as a matter of interest… it was the British Business Club, Düsseldorf who won…:-))

Until next year — same happy tradition, and we’ll see what the weather brings !  🏏🍓🥂

Written by Pat Haselwood / 2026