On Sunday, July 28th, under a bright blue sky, the 5th annual Dales Lodges cricket match took place at Scruton Cricket Club.

The pitch was in excellent condition, and the game format was set for 25 overs per innings, with a maximum of 4 overs per bowler and batsmen retiring upon reaching 25 runs. The match featured 11 players from Falcon and Lennox lodges against a combined team from Anchor, Beresford-Peirse, and Thornborough lodges.

Match Highlights:
First Innings: Falcon and Lennox's openers, Andy Vincent and Tony Nelson, started cautiously, managing to see off the first 4 overs with only one boundary. Steady scoring ensued, with batsmen retiring as they reached 25 runs. The bowlers kept a tight rein on the scoring until the 18th over when Mark "Kenny" Chapman made a significant impact. Des Mackenzie fell to a cheeky off-break, leading to a successful appeal by Umpire Hodges. Chapman then bowled Carlton Caswell and executed a brilliant run-out, dismissing Carl Tate. Despite Stephen Kennedy contributing 10 wides in two overs, the innings ended with a total score of 115, Extras being the top scorer with 30 runs.

Second Innings: Following a delightful BBQ prepared by Harry Elliott and his team, the combined team of Lennox and Falcon showed aggressive intent from the start. Openers Matty Metcalf and Mick Lynch began swinging, with Mick departing early due to a sharp catch off Carl Tate’s bowling. Matty Metcalf and Kit Barker's boundary-heavy performance pushed the score well above the required run rate. Both retired after scoring 25 runs each. Mark "Kenny" Chapman added a quick 28, and Charlie Mawer hit the winning runs, securing victory with 10 overs to spare.

The match saw over 100 spectators, the largest crowd in Scruton Cricket Club's history. The players and spectators enjoyed a well-organized BBQ, with contributions from Harry Elliott, Vickie Elliott, Karen Vincent, Kirsty Wright, and Thi Heaton, who provided an emergency Thai buffet.

After the match, thanks were given to Umpires Steve Hodges and Chris Barker, scorers Babs and Paul Hunt, and Scruton Cricket Club. The Assistant Provincial Grand Master, W.Bro. Martin Eggermont, presented the Golden Welly Boot Trophies to the Worshipful Masters of B-P and Thornborough, Stephen Morris and Mark Brown. The event successfully raised £820 from bar and meal proceeds for Macmillan, to be used in North Yorkshire.

It was a splendid day for the Freemasons and their families from the Dales Lodges, highlighting community spirit and sportsmanship.