Big lads event a Monster success
by Alan Rowley, 7th February 2004

Sunday 20th July 2003 will be a day that will long be remembered when the Monsters of Cricket steamrollered into town. The richter scale was firmly stuck on 'high' as the big lads of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire cricket took Marehay by storm.

The day started quietly enough as I joined the Marehay staff mid-morning to prepare for the big event. The pitch was being prepared and Kwik cricket tracks marked out. Direction signs were duly placed on lamp-posts near the ground and everyone was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first customers.

The bouncy castle and burger van were early arrivals and with a lot of dark clouds around, fingers were firmly crossed hoping that the rain would stay away. There was a definite touch of nerves around as comments such as 'What have we done?' and 'I must be dreaming'. were heard from the organisers.

Danny Parkin is pictured entertaining the early arrivals >>>

Early signs of nerves were quickly forgotten as the Kwik Cricketers started to arrive. Six teams had entered and the first round draw was soon made. Before we had time to gather our thoughts, Monsters of Cricket was underway.

The Kwik Cricket, as always, produced lots of excitement for the kids and the ground was soon buzzing with the proud parents, and grandparents, urging on their offsprings. It wasn't long before the finalists were known and the Kwik Cricketers left the field to make way for Monsters part one.

<<< Adam Harchuk, not surprisingly, is first to the burger van.

Alfie and his parents arrived in time for the main attraction, as did Central News who turned up to film the action and do some interviews. Alfie was interviewed with his auntie, as was Derbyshire's Luke Sutton and yours truly. With interviewing completed, the toss was made and the North Derbyshire Mammoths were taking to the crease.

The sight of Graeme Welch and David Adams strolling to the crease to face the mighty Harchuk is something that will remain in my memory for a very long time.

David Adams (left) and Graeme Welch head to the crease

The South Derbyshire Leviathans

The North Derbyshire Mammoths

As the Monsters were doing battle, the beer was flowing, the burgers were going down a treat and the crowd swelled to over 500. Keleigh and Sarah, our two Monsters Babes from Saturday's tour, excelled themselves again selling programmes and helping with the raffle. Everyone was throwing themselves into the spirit of the day and contributing 110% effort.

Highlights of the first innings was a fine fifty from Graeme Welch and a spectacular catch from Danny Parkin on the boundary which had the crowd applauding furiously.

Stapleford Town's Adam Harchuk bowls to Derbyshire CCC's Graeme Welch

During the break of innings, the Kwik Cricket final was played with the Marehay lads taking advantage of the home ground to cruise to an easy victory over Morton. Full marks to the sides from Denby, Cromford Meadows, South Wingfield and Riddings for making the competition such a success. Graeme Welch presented medals to the winners and runners-up, and 16 very happy kids were left proudly clutching their Owzat Kwik Cricket 2003 medals.

The Leviathans from South Derbyshire batted second and despite some valiant slogging towards the end, they fell 23 runs short to complete the action on the field. Now it was time for the raffle and auction.

Graeme Welch with the victorious Marehay Kwik Cricket team >>>

John Barlow handed over the microphone to Andy Mitchell at this point and John retired to the bar for a well-deserved pint after six hours of announcing. Thanks John - you're a star.

Mitch proceeded to extract more cash from wallets at the auction which raised an incredible £640 for the fund. Top price went to the Nasser Hussain signed England shirt which was knocked down to Rich Davey for a cool £150.

Mark Barlow spent his hard earned on autographed photos of the Beckhams and a Derbyshire signed bat and Mitch himself purchased a Gordon Banks signed photo which is surely worth much more than the £110 paid. You bagged a bargain there Mitch.

Handkerchiefs were drawn when Mitch handed over the signed Derby County football to young Alfie. Danny and I were almost reduced to tears at the sight of Alfie clutching the ball with a mile-wide grin on his face. The highlight of the day without a doubt.

<<< Young Alfie with his signed Derby County ball.

After the auction was over, everyone adjourned to the bar for a spot of mutual back-slapping and a relaxing beverage. Everyone agreed that the day had been a phenomenal success which exceeded everyone's wildest dreams.

Despite cries of 'never again' from the organisers, I'm convinced that we haven't seen the end of the Sting In The Tail Trust.

Organisers Mitchell, Parkin, Rowley and Flint applaud the crowd

At the last count, the fund was approaching the £4,000 mark. I would just like to personally thank everyone who helped to make the day the success that it was. We all made new friends, had a good laugh, and made a very special little boy's wish come true. Thanks to you all and here's to 2004.

And finally, after the Monsters roadshow left town, your weary reporter popped into his local club for a beer where the day's events finally took its toll. Unfortunately, Jambrose was there to record the sight for prosterity. Click here to see the sorry sight.