Belmont and Edgware Cricket Club celebrated their 50th anniversary by a hosting an historic legends vs current XI match at their Old Camdenians ground in Mill Hill.
Formed in 1974, BECC are one of the largest Jewish cricket clubs in the UK, and currently run two Sunday XI teams who play Middlesex Sunday League cricket, Sunday friendlies and midweek T20 matches.
A community atmosphere at the ground was generated by more than 60 supporters, who watched the current XI team take to the field first. Chairman Jonny Evans hit a sparking 50, with Greg Mayer also notching up a half century, while younger brother Elliott made his way to the mid-40’s before being controversially run out. There were contributions right down the order, as the current XI finished on 262 for six off their 35 overs, with wickets shared around.
After tea, which saw club chairman Jonny Evans present club legend, president and club-founder Ronnie Palester, with a club shirt, the legends replied with Phil Mayer and Adam Jacobs striking up a boundary-laden partnership.
Memorable day: BECC chairman Jonny Evans presents president and founder Ronnie Palester with a club shirt.
Shaun Hart rolled back the years with a lovely 51. while former skipper Warren Averbuch kept their momentum going with a 30-odd contribution, but the legends fell just by 49 runs in the end.
Memorable day: Shaun Hart during his half-century innings.
Addressing those present, Palester said: “I would like to thank you all for a fantastic day. Thank you also for the wonderful shirt and lovely words from Jonny which made me feel very emotional. Today was more than a cricket match, it was a fantastic day with a large crowd and for me especially, to meet people I hadn’t seen for a long time.”
Speaking about the day, Evans said: “It was fantastic to see so many people come to make the 50th anniversary match, it was such a special day. There were 84 years between the oldest and youngest attendees and 62 years between the oldest and youngest players on the day.
“The future of the club is in safe hands and we are excited for what the next 50 years will bring.”
Memorable day: top scorer Elliott Mayer at the crease
Ryan Monk, a former club captain, who skippered the legends team, said: “It was a great day for the club to come together like this. Past and present sharing the pitch and stories with each other and it was such a privilege to lead the legends out. Today showed how this club will keep going from strength to strength.”
Current club captain Elliott Mayer added: “It was a great day for this great club, one which made me proud to be involved in and reminded me why so many people put so much hard work into keeping it running.
“There was a fantastic atmosphere all day both on and off the field and it was wonderful to see so many legends of the club turn up and celebrate 50 years together.
“The game itself was competitive and entertaining. A lot of the legends are still talented and we hope some will want get involved again more regularly.”
The commemorative celebrations will continue In September, when the club will hold an anniversary dinner, which will see a commemorative booklet produced. The club is appealing to members from over the last five decades for pictures, anecdotes and contributions.
Rolling back the years: Belmont and Edgware Cricket Club’s Legends XI squad
Legends select XI
Jon Field, Phil Mayer, Michael Blasebalk, Adam Jacobs, Eddie Davis, Jon Feigenbaum, Shaun Hart, Warren Averbuch, Stuart Davis, Ryan Monk, David Kaplan, Neil Myeroff, Jeremy Freeman
Fine knocks: the Jewish club’s current First XI
Current XI
Elliott Mayer, Mark Spanjar, Jonathan Evans, Dan Humphrey, Greg Mayer, David Kay, Joel Azulay, Elisha Lev, Josh Reynolds, Adam Morris, Zack Gothelf, Gavi Lowinger
