Gatwick ‘invincibles’ retain national cricket crown

Postal

Gatwick Mail Centre have retained the Royal Mail National Cricket Tournament Trophy for the fourth year running – beating rivals Birmingham Mail Centre in a sporting but closely-fought final.

Set a tough target of 81 in seven overs, the Midlanders chased hard but ultimately came up short, although they made the Sussex side fight all the way.

But cricket was the winner on a great day at Birmingham’s Perry Barr Cricket Ground, with seven challengers for Gatwick’s crown – the host city entered a Team Deliveries as well, while two teams represented Jubilee Mail Centre and another was entered by their near-neighbours from Heathrow WDC, along with sides from Leeds and Peterborough mail centres respectively.

“The teams played each other in two groups of four, with the two top sides of each pool going into the semi-finals,” explained event organiser Rasheed Abdur, who works at Gatwick Mail Centre and is the CWU area equalities rep.

In the last four, Gatwick squared up against HWDC, while Birmingham MC faced Jubilee Mail Centre team – and the old rivals each overcame their opponents to set up the third cricket final between them.

“It was a really enjoyable day and many thanks to all the teams for entering,” commented Rasheed, who added: “Thanks also to 1st Class Credit Union and UnionLine for sponsoring the tournament.

“And a big thank you to Birmingham & District Amal CWU Branch for hosting us this year.

“With the Four Pillars dispute coming up, it’s really good to meet up with these guys from other Royal Mail units and a fun day of cricket is a great way to increase our friendships and solidarity as well,” Rasheed added.

“And maybe next year, our Birmingham friends might win the trophy.”