GLORIOUS GOODWOOD
Records of cricket being played at Goodwood stretch back to 1702. The oldest set of rules (laws) of cricket still in existence are kept in the magnificent House that overlooks the picturesque ground that entertained The Patron’s XI v The Bluemantle’s XI on Wednesday 20th May 2026.
James Peill, our present Bluemantle, secured this fixture for us with the Goodwood Cricket Club, the Estate, the Duke, the Earl and the ‘chief’ of cricket Richard Geffen. A 40-over match was played and a high degree of competence was displayed by both sides.
Josh Montford Bebb captained the club and scored a fearsome 102 with towering shots threatening the picnickers positioned by the attractive thatched pavilion. He was ably assisted by Alex McDonald (58), Ben Porter (36) and Tom Birkberk (34*) in securing the formidable total of 293 for 5.
A spirited reply by the Patron’s XI was led by Sean Cannon (42) and Alex Bryant (23) and with some hearty blows from fellow players this was not enough to set the scoreboard alight. Teddy Birkbeck (3-18) and Will Zlattinger (3-30) spearheaded the Club’s bowling and a victory was soon out of reach for The Patron’s XI.
Bluemantle’s 293/5. Patron’s XI. 164/9
With thanks to umpires Bryan Tomalin from Goodwood CC and Ian Edmed and our ever dependable scorer Rosalie Reeder.
And to our Chairman Nick Ogden and our Goodwood hosts.
We salute and thank in particular our Patron, James Peill.
The result of the match was secondary to the sheer delight and pleasure of the occasion. An historic site, a famous ground …and a magnificent, noble Laburnum Cedar tree planted in 1761 to watch over us. A splendid, special day.
Nigel Wheeler
President
