Nottinghamshire received their prize for winning the weekend’s Barbados T20 competition in unusual – but highly delightful circumstances, on Thursday evening.
The squad were taken, along with Hampshire, winners of the Plate, plus Northants, invited guests and supporter groups, to The Concorde Experience.
When Concorde was de-commissioned in 2003 one of the aircraft that regularly used to fly in and out of the island was given by British Airways to the people of Barbados.
Now a notable tourist attraction, The Concorde Experience was made available to the assembled group, who were all allowed on board the aircraft and watched a presentation of the former supersonic airliner in action.
Lisa Pursehouse, Chief Executive of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, summed up the feelings of the whole party. “This has been a wonderful evening and a total surprise to us all. Concorde was a great British aircraft that few were privileged to see at such close quarters. It has been a great experience for all of the group and something extra for the players on top of winning the competition.”
Gregory Armstrong, the former Glamorgan and Barbados fast bowler, who now represents the island’s Tourist Authority, gave a glowing speech about the competition and its future. Additionally Mr Armstrong spoke of his frustration about the rift with the local cricket association that forced the Barbados team to withdraw from the tournament.
Danny Briggs received the Plate, on behalf of Hampshire, who beat Northants in that Final and then Chris Read received the main award from Mr Armstrong.
Additionally Notts won £5,000 in prize money for their weekend’s efforts, which included wins over Northants, Yorkshire and Derbyshire.
The award, a beautiful hand-carved, wooden sailfish, will be on display at the members luncheon next Thursday.