In the tranquil surroundings of Old Hill Cricket Club on the outskirts of Birmingham, a unique gathering unfolded—one that swapped boardrooms for boundary lines and emails for elegant cover drives.

The inaugural ‘Pharmacy Suppliers vs Contractors’ cricket match

brought together professionals from across the sector—suppliers, contractors, sponsors, and supporters – last week (July 11).

A Game of Skill and Spirit

With perfect weather and a backdrop that oozed old-school cricket charm, the 30-over contest promised both entertainment and engagement. The Suppliers, taking to the crease first, built a competitive innings marked by consistent contributions across the batting order. Strategic partnerships laid the foundation, while some late-innings fireworks helped them post an imposing total of 212 for 8.

Though individual brilliance played a role, it was the Suppliers' collective effort that impressed most as the team balanced cautious accumulation with some late-innings acceleration.

A Spirited Chase

The Contractors took up the challenge with equal enthusiasm. They started their chase confidently, with their captain Ravi Nagra leading from the front. Nagra’s unbeaten 44 was a display of composure, leadership, and sound technique—anchoring the innings through a period where wickets fell at the other end.

But cricket is a game of moments, and in the final stretch, the Suppliers’ bowlers seized theirs. Spearheaded by Ikram Malik of Brabners, who not only bowled with precision but also marshalled the field with tactical nous, the bowling attack dismantled the Contractors' middle and lower order. A late flurry of wickets saw the Contractors dismissed for 182, handing the Suppliers a hard-earned 30-run victory with 6 overs to spare.

Individual Excellence

Two players were deservedly recognised for their outstanding performances. For the Contractors, Nrependra Singh of Pharmdel stood out as a dynamic force on the field. His energy, versatility, and positive influence uplifted his team throughout the match, proving valuable with both bat and ball.

For the Suppliers, Ikram Malik’s all-round contribution was pivotal. His vital innings in the latter part of the first innings gave the Suppliers momentum, while his sharp bowling display sealed the match in their favour.

Voices from the Field

RxBridge co-chief executive and captain of the Suppliers Seb Miles said:

“The inaugural Suppliers vs Contractors match achieved exactly what we hoped it would—to see suppliers and contractors enjoying a day of friendly competition, networking and collaboration in the wonderful setting that is Old Hill Cricket Club.”

His counterpart, MSN Lunts co-chief executive Ravi Nagra added:

“The day was a huge success – well played by everyone involved. It’s refreshing to step away from the business for a short while and connect on the field. It’s events like these that strengthen partnerships and morale across the sector.”

Looking ahead

The event’s success was made possible by the generosity and support of its sponsors, who recognised the importance of creating informal yet impactful spaces for industry interaction. With cricket pads packed away and handshakes all around, conversations turned to next year. The consensus? “Same time next summer.”