Match report by our special correspondent, John Buckland:

Tipton hosted their final opposition of the 2025 season this weekend as we welcomed the return of the Cavendish Cavaliers. After their visit at the start of the year we had the opportunity to play them again, as South Brent were unable to raise a side.

A gentleman's agreement at the toss enabled Tipton to bat first, whilst the cavaliers who were present for the start time took the field, along with some sub fielding Tiptonites.
The opening roles were given to Brendan Coles and Dave Alford, their innings started well with a strong partnership before Alford was bowled by opener Mark Mogford, for eight runs in a partnership of 31.

Harry Everett took the crease next and looked as though he and youngster Coles could stay there all day. This wasn't to be the case though as upon reaching his 50 Coles was asked to retire, both saving the Cavs from the onslaught and offering others a chance to dine at the buffet.

Stand-in captain John Buckland partnered Everett, both making the most of the odd wayward delivery whilst staying alert for the dreaded straight one. Both coped well, and joined Coles on the sidelines, their wickets unscathed.

Arthur Coles and Callam Whittington were now at the crease, as the Cavaliers continued to rotate their bowling options. Callam started well and reached his highest score of the season before being bowled for 23 by Joules Dumont.

Ross Williams came to the middle, with his tall, long legged frame. Young Arthur isn't quite the same build, which could be why he was found short of his ground trying to complete a single once called through by Williams. He departed run out for 26 well earnt runs. Coles Jr made way for Coles Sr as father Damien joined Ross to see out the final deliveries.

Tipton's innings finished at 262 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, with three batsmen safe 'in the hutch' following retirement.

The players were treated to a tea break supplied by Paul Williamson, which went down a treat and was enjoyed by all.

The cavaliers had a monumental task ahead of them if they were to chase these down, Simon Cahill and 'Sir' Gareth Marsden were sent out to open. Cahill's trip to the middle became a return journey sooner than he'd have liked, after being bowled by David Birch in the first over without scoring.

Youngster Toby Ward now faced the persistent accuracy of the Tipton openers, he too would've been joining Cahill in the Duck club thanks to the bowling of Owen Smith, if not for shoddy glovemanship from stand-in wicket keeper and on-the-day Captain John Buckland, who's gloves broke the line of the stumps, resulting in a No Ball. Smith took this news considerably well, until the realisation that he'd have to bowl a 7th delivery in the over sunk in.

Ward was soon removed by Birch for just one, giving him incredible figures of just 6 runs from his 7 overs, with two wickets and two maidens.

The rest of the match ticked by just like the Sunday afternoon around it, and before long the final batters were on offer to the Tipton fielders. Owen was not able to bag his deserved wicket, but Ross Williams, Callam Whittington and Dave Alford bagged one each.

There was a sense of melancholy as the final overs passed, the reality of the final ball of the season looming like a cloud. Suddenly we were at the point of no return as Harry Everett took the deciding wicket to end with 3-9..

The teams raced to the sidelines, to produce an impromptu 'Guard of Honour' as club Chairman David Birch left the field. Let's hope we're not too short next year, else we'll have to do it all again!

He departs in style winning the John Williamson 'player of the match' award

Statto is back to add his words of wisdom:
* It was Brendan Coles 3rd 50 for Tipton as he ended the season with an average of 156. He won't figure in the end of season averages though as he only played 4 times
* Harry Everett's 2nd 50 for Tipton, currently averaging 211.0 in 5 matches!
* John Buckland's 7th 50 of the season (plus a century)
* It is also Tipton's 500th half century since 1985 (in addition to 102 centuries, 65 of which were by Phil Tolley)
* As Bucks alluded, 23 is Callam's highest score for Tipton
.... and finally, David Birch ended his 690 match Tipton career with a miserly bowling performance. With 0.857 runs per over it has only been bettered about 30 times. On top of the list with with 0.25 rpo in 2004 against Brixham Cavaliers is... David Birch.
His tally of 807 wickets is at just 3.82 runs per over

Tipton St John Cricket Club

Match Preview

Match details

Match date

Start time

Team Sponsors