Some Things Are More Important Than Cricket

16 Oct 2024   |   By Ian Herbert - Chairperson Wormelow CC

Back on Saturday 15th June our 2nd XI made the trip to Moccas CC for a Marches League Division 2 match, we won the toss and elected to bowl and at this point there was no indication of what was to come later in the day. As usual our opening bowler Neil Bloomfield took the new ball and bowled his full allocation of 8 overs. The usual updates were coming through during the afternoon via the club WhatsApp group with the latest scores etc. At tea news came through that Moccas had posted a competitive 207-7 from their 40 overs, someone else then commented that there was a bit of delay to our innings as they were awaiting an ambulance for Neil who had become unwell whilst fielding. A few more questions were asked as concerned club members tried to gather more information on what was a very concerning situation.  Typically, Neil was wanting little fuss and was assuring everyone that he was ok. Several players on both teams were genuinely concerned about his health and insisted that ambulance was required as it was clear that Neil need urgent medical attention.  The ambulance took Neil to Hereford Hospital where he underwent numerous tests. We were all awaiting further updates as messages of support and offers of help filled the WhatsApp group.  Thankfully, Neil was able to update us on his status later in the evening as he was feeling brighter, it transpired that following tests the medical experts decided he’d had a minor heart attack during the match! Further tests were carried out over the next couple of days and initial talks of surgery eventually took a back seat and suitable medication was prescribed.  After a couple of weeks of rest Neil was well enough to return to work on light duties and was soon back in the full of swing of things.  He was close to making a cricketing return before the end of the season, in the end this didn’t quite happen but we look forward to having him back on the field in 2025.   
 
As a club we were hugely grateful for the help and support we received on that eventful day from Moccas and thankfully we were able to update them with positive news on Neil’s situation once we knew what was happening. When we played the return league fixture at Kennel Field in August we made sure every Moccas player had a drink on WCC  after the game, as a small thank you from our club to theirs and a token of our appreciation for the help they gave Neil.  To me it epitomised what village/recreational cricket is all about, you compete against each other on the pitch but when things taken an unexpected turn you are all there for each other. 
 
Ian Herbert 
Chairperson, Wormelow CC