posted 10th August 2025
EAST TAKE THE STEWARDS CUP IN PROVINCIAL THRILLER!
Dropped chances prove costly as the Cup heads east in a match packed with runs, laughs, and good-natured rivalry.
In a game with more twists than an Ozzie umpire’s moustache, the East lifted the Provincial Stewards Cup, while the West walked off with a few “what ifs” and enough stories to keep the festive boards buzzing for months—plus a couple of dropped catches that will be replayed in infamy.
On paper, the West bagged more wickets and snaffled more catches, but aside from a boundary-blasting cameo from the Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies, their run rate was less fireworks, more flickering candle.
Deputy Provincial Grand Master Mike Pritchard won the toss and chose to bat, sending out the veteran–rookie duo of Bruce Taylor and young gun Leo Redsworth. They laid down a platform as reliable as a Past Master delivering the charge—steady, confident, and impossible to ignore. The middle order chipped in with handy runs, setting the West up for a decent total... until the East’s bowlers, (Sam Ridsdill, James Palmer, Joe Berni, James Berni.. (to name a few of their tidy bowlers!) squeezed tighter than a Mason’s handshake, keeping the scoreboard nicely under wraps.
Chasing a modest target, the East came out swinging—Provincial Grand Master pulling tactical strings smoother than a well-shaken cocktail. Openers James Palmer and young Alex Ridsdill fired up the innings, putting early pressure on the fielding side like a Mason caught without his apron at the lodge door. The East felt the weight of expectation but played with calm determination, knowing every run was precious in such a tight contest.
A couple of quick wickets from Senior Deacon Phil Williams, backed by some sharp keeping from Steward Nick Annear, gave the contest fresh tension—until things started to unravel faster than a poorly knitted jumper. A taxi was called for the Provincial Treasurer after a sitter was dropped, followed by another drop from the Provincial DC. Each miscue was met with groans from one side and quiet cheers from the other. It was less “catch of the day” and more “slip of the day.”
After a few complaints from the wicket keeper to the umpires over some dubious decisions and to steer away from the fielding mishaps, the tail enders for the East including Ken Ridsdill and Phil Shepley, smelling blood, smashed a few boundaries as if knocking back pints in the clubhouse, sealing the win with flair along with adding salt in to an already gaping wound!
As the sun dipped and the final runs were hammered, the East celebrated with handshakes all round, proud to take home the Cup but quick to praise the West’s spirited challenge.
Meanwhile, plans for “Operation Cup Comeback” quietly began for next year—possibly including a crash course in “catching 101” and a refresher on where the ball’s actually supposed to go.
It was a fantastic day of cricket, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs—all played in the true spirit of friendly rivalry.
Events like this remind us that Freemasonry is just as much about fellowship and fun as it is about tradition and ceremonies—and whether batting, bowling, or cheering from the sidelines, everyone’s on the same team. 🏏🤝
Man of the Match (West): Leo Redsworth�Man of the Match (East): Jack Palmer
Huge thanks to the active Provincial Stewards for organising the day, to Mike and Dave for umpiring, to Steve, Mark and Brian for scoring and to St Day Football & Cricket Club for hosting so warmly—proving once again that the best cricket is played where the pitch is great and the welcome even better.
