Today we are to play the final game of what has been a gruelling but enjoyable tour.   When the tour schedule was put together it was expected that the English weather would rob us of a few games along the way.   However the only rainy days occurred on our rest day on the 19th July and on the game against Hereford Over 50s at Eastnor.   The weather today is not looking promising and several players have expressed a desire to not play today if conditions are wet (and consequently muddy) as they need to pack everything tonight for their trip home.   Looking skywards as we head off at 9:30, it would seem they will get their wish.

We are leaving early (for a 1:30 game) as Stirling wishes to show us the National Memorial Aboretum, a national site of remembrance at Alrewas .   The Arboretum, on approximately 150 acres of old gravel workings, contains over 50,000 trees, with more being added each year.   There are nearly 300 memorials for the armed forces, civilian organisations and voluntary bodies who have played a part in serving the country.   At the heart of the Arboretum is the Armed Forces Memorial, which is a tribute to over 16,000 service personnel who have lost their lives in conflict or as a result of terrorism since the end of the Second World War.   At 11 am on 11th November each year the sun shines through two slits in the outer and inner walls of the memorial, casting a shaft of light across a wreath in the centre.
 
Within the Arboretum is the Millennium Chapel of Peace and Forgiveness where, at 11 am each day, an act of remembrance takes place. The whole touring party (minus Panda who left yesterday) attended today.   Following the two minutes silence, accompanied by the Last Post and Reveille, there was an introductory talk about the Arboretum.   We then spent a half hour wandering through the gardens before returning to our journey back to the Cannock and Rugeley ground .   Given that Stirling took us on a very circuitous route and it has taken us nearly 4 hours to arrive at the ground, there is much grumbling as the tourists alight from their vehicles.

It is also a soggy sight as we arrive at the ground and although the locals have covered the pitch and are out with two mini super-soppers it still looks unlikely that we will get any play, especially as the drizzling rain is continuing.   But they are a hardy lot and when the rain stops, they work feverishly to get us underway.   We are going to play a game comprising 25 overs an innings, retire at 20 and 4 overs per bowler and got under way around 2.40pm. Recognising the problems of packing wet gear for a 24 hour flight home, the Cannock and Rugeley lads very kindly provided a maroon kit for the visitors to wear, much to the delight of the Queenslanders!

We won the toss and elected to bat to take best advantage of the pitch . With no time for batsmen to play them selves in John Dedman came in after an early wicket and bludgeoned 21 off 6 balls. Jimmy Martin joined in with 19 off 18 balls and another quick wicket to the home side brought Murray Harrison (22 no) and Vince Bulger (21) together to again accelerate the run rate. I only contributed 4 before being stumped (can't remember the last time i was stumped) but the tail continued to push the score along and as wickets fell John returned to the crease to extract a further 16 runs from the tiring attack to be not out 37 at the end of our innings which had reached 9 for 158 off the allotted 25 overs.

The Cannock and Rugeley innings began sedately with some very good early bowling from Colin Cooke and Ron Axelby. However, recognising the need for quick runs the openers accelerated the run rate which also got a huge boost from young Cannock first grade captain Alec Fawcett who hit 20 off 7 balls!   After 10 overs scoring at a run a ball, the Cannock XI looked to be right in the game . But our reliable bowling attack began to pick up wickets regularly putting pressure on the home side.

I was keeping wickets today although it had originally been pencilled in as Peter's day.   However, as he had pinched my spot yesterday, he was banished to the outfield. I took a good low catch as Col enticed a bottom edge. Then, as the required run rate began to balloon it became increasingly obvious that the target was getting beyond the reach of the home side. They were finally bundled out for 102 off 22.1 overs. had ended the tour as we started - with a well deserved win.   The team song - as provided below - was sung for one final time.

The win loss record for the tourists was played 17, won 10, drew 2 and lost 5 (all against much younger teams). We played a good brand of cricket throughout the tour and achieved one of our primary objectives - to continuously improve our standard of cricket. This was probably reflected in their results, being undefeated in our last 8 matches .

The after match functions on tour finished on a high with Stirling and his long time sparring partner and Cannock & Rugeley mate Les West exchanging stories which seemed to deviate from the truth at times despite the protestations of each speaker. A special award of a signed book was made to the curator Adrian Alston who not only ensured a game of cricket but put the finishing touches on the clubhouse by flying the St George Cross of England and the Blue Ensign of Australia from the rooftop.

Back at the hotel we had a few final drinks with our team-mates as the Queensland contingent will be off at 5:30 in the morning as we have an earlier flight than those returning to the southern states.

Tour Team Song - to the tune of the Richmond Football Club song

Oh, we're from Aussie Land
A fighting fury, we're from Aussie Land
In sunny weather you will see us with a grin
Risking everything
We'll fight and fight with all our might
Striving hard to win
Oh we're from Aussie Land
We never weaken till the final ball is bowled
Like wine that is old
We're strong and we're bold
Oh we're from Aussie......
Yellow and Blue
Oh we're from Aussie Land