The fixture was a NBCC LGBTQ+ team, with some players provided by Backworth, against a Backworth XI made up of First, Second and Development players to showcase how diversity and inclusivity can work in cricket.
Thanks to all the hard work from Joel Langley, Backworth CC and Pip Gibb-Kirk and her colleagues at the Northumberland Cricket Board, the day was a great success.
Thanks to the rain, the game was abandoned after the NBCC innings which closed on 195 for 7 after 35 overs just as the rain started coming down at an unplayable level.
An early tea quickly became an abandonment, but enough cricket was played to allow NBCC LGBTQ+ captain Tom Goodings to post an impressive 84, Steve Gillies to smash a 6 over square leg in his 21, Harry Irwin to show everyone how good a player he is and will no doubt be for years to come in a very laid back 34, Leo and Lachlan to try and run each other out at least once, and Chris to stroll out to the wicket, and back again nearly as quickly as the rain was coming down!
The rest of the afternoon and evening was spent enjoying the company of new friends, being reminded of “what used to be” as we enjoyed the hospitality of a firner miners club, and laughing over an excellent curry in the evening.
Success is best measured after an event, so time will tell, but the indications are looking good: a repeat fixture has been agreed during Pride Month in 2026, and will be played for the The Northumberland Cricket Board Proud Allies Trophy which Pip confirmed they would like to donate (fair chance this will get abbreviated to the the PAT Cup I suspect). Several of the Backworth Team have signed up to play in the Rodley Game in August, and there was talk of a mini charity day as well.
All great stuff, and exactly what is required to provide safe and inclusive spaces to play cricket.
Huge thanks and credit to Joel and the club, who are already showing how it can and should be done, and to the Northumberland Cricket Board for their very obvious and committed support.
Finally thanks to all the played, particularly those that made the journey up and spent money on a hotel and a curry.
Next year let’s hope for more cricket, but if not, we will have another great day with some friends (old and new!)
