particular creed.

In fact everyone walked if they nicked it as you would expect from those with as much 20/20 vision as the ECB. Imams scored 87 off 20 overs & the Vicars made a typically modest 57.

So what does it all mean? All writing on this subject require that contemplation. Absolutely no faith saving measures required by this bunch who were like one faith community not two. Those who scoff at religion should have been there. They probably have a religion of some kind anyway (like climate change science) & would throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Our cricket is similar to this match but without the formal titles. “What do you want if you don’t want money?” - Adam Faith. Cricket?

Hampton in Arden had faith in their ideas & launched a new club & ground in 2009.

Staying faithful to their inspiration along came a brilliant idea which was not only an act of faith but also a good bit of PR.

Thus was born the Test of Faith which became the local story of the week & several entries on the C of E Faithbook website.

Vicars Vs. Imams cricket should be more common because in the British Empire they rubbed along quite closely & it could have become a tradition. It will now.

Whether it was invented or revived at Hampton Village it was played in a lovely setting on a fine June summer evening.

The game was the brainchild of local GP Roger Charlton & faithfully supported by Keith Claringbull, Vicar of the Parish. Dr Issam Ghannam the main Imam of Solihull brought along 11 prayer leaders from the Building Bridges Islamic Initiative. Rising to such a challenge the Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquhart put his faith in 10 local Vicars. Talk of holy struggle or Christian soldiers was suspended for the duration of a splendid occasion of inspiring unity.

And did the Holy Lamb (& Beefy) of God walk upon England’s pastures green? Certainly & hand in hand without adherence to one

Our AGM will be held on 13 January 2010 at Halesowen CC. This has proved to be an excellent venue & an excellent buffet is laid on. We hope to see you there at 8.00pm.

Our Dinner was a splendid affair at the Tally-Ho, Edgbaston. So we are going back again on Friday 5 March 2010. Congratulations have been deservedly heaped

on Phil Williams for leading the team. Why not buy a new MCCC tie for this event? Email address on page 4.

Our 2010 Yearbook will be published in the Spring. Will Members please submit their reports to the Editor, Andrew Jackson andrew@amjackson.co.uk

The indispensable Club Directory needs to be accurate - email  details to Phil Williams

<pjw116@talktalk.net> (its that man again).

To play for MCCC teams against the likes of MCC, Oxford & Cambridge contact Alan Neal s.alanneal@hotmail.com or 0121 744 6656.

To play a midweek anniversary celebration game v MCCC contact Howard Clay cricketclay@aol.com 0121 477 3686.

Controversial Issue

Special points of interest:

· MCCC Dinner Friday March 5 2010 will be another cracker

· Youth success Under 16 Finals Day

· MCCC matches Representative report 2009

· New style MCCC ties  available now—only £10

AGM, Dinner, Yearbook & Matches

Midlands Club Cricket Conference

Autumn Newsletter 2009

Have Faith & Keep the Faith

Imams Vs. Vicars

November 2009        No.48