Band of Brothers CC - Menorca Tour 2023
On Friday 5th May 2023, the Band of Brothers departed Gatwick for Menorca on a tour expertly selected by Brother Norwood Hill and Brother Pollington some months earlier. The excitement was evident as soon as the bags were checked in, with a few alcoholic beverages consumed before and during the flight. Notable inflight entertainment provided by Brother Loxton-Barnard, all the while a very familiar voice rang a few rows back. With a touch of Dutch courage a few tourists plucked up the courage to speak to Blowers, who promised he would come to watch us over the weekend…. Something of an emergency clearly arose rending him absent…. The lads settled into the hotel, enjoyed the local cuisine and a few more drinks before calling it a night before the big game.
A morning dip in the less than lukewarm pool blew off a few cobwebs before boarding the minibuses to the ground. The BB, to a man immaculately dressed, hoisted the flag and got settled in. The welcoming party proved to be generous hosts throughout our stay, with Chairman of Menorca CC, Dan, leading from the front helping the boys get stuck into the 3 Euro Estrellas with the Coronation playing in the background.
A gentleman’s agreement between skipper Pollington and Menorca CC led to the BB batting first on a scorcher of a day. However, the regular loss of wickets halted any momentum with plenty of players getting in and getting themselves out. The BB stumbled to 187, with knocks from Brother Boucher, Loxton-Barnard and Collingwood all getting into the 30s.
Menorca CC also got off to a slow start with boundaries a rarity. However, Will Johnson played a classy knock to steady the ship, before some fireworks from the Cotton Family completely flipped momentum, seeing Menorca win with 2 balls to spare. A deserved 4 wicket victory for the hosts.
This did not deflate tourist morale however, as the BB stayed for a few drinks and got stuck into a succulent hog put on by Menorca with all the trimmings. The touring party then headed to the Capital to enjoy some post-game entertainment, with most notable performance from The Moonwalking Maestro of Mahon, AKA Brother Bryant with the best moves the locals have seen for years.
The morning dip routine continued before embarking on Day 2, the day of vengeance. Another agreement was made for the BB to bat first, hoping for a better return than 24 hours previous. Brother Nathan Roberts made sure of this. Opening up with New Ball Specialist and team photographer Liam Roberts, he hit a ‘bull in a China shop’ 100, showing no mercy before being retired not out. Brother Pask chipped in with an equally rapid 50 (retired not out) and a selfless retirement from Brother Boucher on 48, to allow others to have a go. Notable contribution from Brother Whyte with a speedy 21.
Menorca CC began brightly, with wickets hard to come by for the BB. Joe Brayne looked very settled at the crease, well on his way to a well deserved 50 before being unfortunately injured and retired hurt on 46. Plenty of questionable bowling ensued, with Brother Hunter taking his first BB wicket and would eventually take 4fer. Highlight of the day, and possibly tour, was the wicket of John Long. Bowled P. Whyte, the wicket that would finish the match and cricketing part of the tour for the BB. Flight and guile Pedro.
With a 127-run win under our belt it was time for the presentations, with the Chief speaking excellently on their hospitality, cricketing prowess and the beauty of the ground before awarding the club with a BB tie. The evening was getting on as the tourists headed to the quaint town of Es Castrell to a restaurant suggested by Chairman Dan. Some fantastic food was had before stumbling across a small bar on the waterfront. Then ensued the most unforgettable of BB fines session, with Fines Master White and Weights & Measures Master Roberts allocating punishment for indiscretions over the last 48 hours to perfection. This continued long into the night.
Day 3 saw a touch of Golf. (I was sadly not at the golf, so have no report on that). The only 3 not participating were Brother Bryant, who had a spot of lunch with a member of the weekend’s opposition, and Brother Richardson & Collingwood, who worked on their tan by the pool.
The last evening out was a magnificent steak dinner in Mahon, with Brother Richardson delivering his 4th and final ‘thank you for coming’ speech which had become a regular fixture throughout the tour. Post-dinner, many bars were explored along the waterfront, with general rubbish inebriated conversations flowing into the small hours
The best tourist was unanimous. Brother Whyte played a blinding hand, whether it was doing a fantastic job as Fines Master, his on-field antics (most notably nicking Regan’s bat whilst he went to the loo, to then promote himself up the order and use the bat before Ben came back – you can imagine how furious he was) or the side-splitting awards ceremony on the final morning. Bravo Pedro.
It was also in agreement amongst the tourist of the importance of The Chief’s presence. Passing down traditions and knowledge of tours gone before, he was hugely significant as the face of the club at Menorca CC, whilst also being on ever-fantastic form during fines sessions and dealing some of the most unique forfeits. Most notably, fining himself for doing absolutely nothing wrong! We hope he will continue to attend.
This time for bonding and camaraderie between Brethren before the start of the season can’t be underestimated. I think this is reflected in the team sheets throughout the year and I’d wager that these tourists made up more than 50% of each XI that took the field.
All in all, a fantastic tour, making memories with life-long friends and standout moments that I, personally, will never forget. There is already growing interest within the club for another, even as soon as next season. Bring on 2024!
Tourists to Menorca CC 2023
The Chief
Alex Bryant
Alex Hunter
Andrew Pask
Ben Regan
Hugo Loxton-Barnard
Liam Roberts
Nathan Roberts
Peter Whyte
Piers Richardson
Reuben Collingwood
Tom Boucher
Tom Pollington
