Beyond Friendship- Viv & Beef

07/20/2020 by admin

A shy guy from Antigua arrived in England to establish himself as a professional cricketer in 1973. Back in Antigua he used to work at D’Arcy’s Bar and Restaurant in St. John’s. He also joined St. John’s Cricket Club. The sheer talent of his batting mesmerized everyone including the restaurant owner who gave him gloves, pads and bat. Something he never forgets.

The Relocation:

After the relocation to the United Kingdom, he joined Lansdown C.C. in Bath. Initially he played for the second XI and was soon promoted to first team. After a brief stint with Lansdown, he moved to Taunton in 1974 and joined Somerset CCC. The club provided the accommodation with another exciting young cricketer.

The Meet:

Both the flatmates from Taunton got selected for Somerset under-25s against Glamorgan. The other guy told the Antigua guy that ‘I am an all-rounder’ and he replied ‘I bowl a little, bat a bit’. That’s how the immortal friendship began between them. The guy from Antigua is Sir Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards and his flatmate is better known as Sir Ian Terence Botham.

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The Game:

Botham scored a century in the match, but Viv got a duck. However, Viv got five for 25 and Botham didn’t manage any. They celebrated together after the match with scrumpy, the Taunton cider. Viv felt comfortable with Beef, the name he gave to his new friend. The cider became part of the norm quickly.

The Journey:

They always encouraged each other and used to go to pubs together. Soon Viv felt the new town as a second home and enjoyed the peaceful lifestyle of Taunton. Joel Garner also joined Somerset and they helped Somerset to win the Gillette Cup and the Benson & Hedges Cup twice.

The international cap:

Viv got selected for West Indies in late 1974 and Beef got selected for England in 1977. The friends became fierce rivals on the field and the duels between them were written in golden letters on the pages of History. Something to cherish forever by cricket lovers.

Friendship Continued…

The off-field friendship continues through thick and thin. Yes, the sun finally set on their cricketing career, but the journey continues under the moonlight in the beaches of Antigua and alleys in Taunton.