A strong looking Tappers team arrived at Babington from London on a sunny day if threatened by the odd dark cloud. Tappers elected to bat first on a wicket livened by a light shower and got off to a brisk start against the combined family attack that is Nick & Jack Wigzell. Nick went for ten off his first over but Jack made the breakthrough having Griffith caught at short mid-off. Turner and Roberts brought up the 50 in the tenth over, before the latter was bowled by Nick attempting one pull too many.
The innings turned with the introduction of Gerry Copsey from the top end and he mixture of genuine, flight, guile and experience soon changed the tempo of the match, Beaven was bowled playing down the proverbial Bakerloo and the free-scoring Turner was dismissed by probably the best moment of cricket in the match. Having creamed Copsey for four, the bowler held his nerve to float the next delivery higher and slower inducing a full-blooded lofted drive; the ball was propelled vertically miles in the air and a rock-like Nicholson never looked like dropping it.
Harry Fentum was clapped to the wicked be it in funereal fashion and didn’t stay long as Copsey bowled him with an “arm ball” – allegedly! Andrew Jolliffe picked up the wicket of Ruxton but the champagne moment of the match was reserved for Copsey. Another floted delivery deceived Wijeratna in the flight inducing a checked drive to Copsey’s left; the bowler dived, extended his arm and the ball lodged unerringly in his open hand.
Potter got rid of Neate and a chaotic run out left the stage set for Copsey to bag his five week haul when he had Brittan well-held by Burridge. A target of 145 seemed under par and Babington took tea in expectant mood.
The innings got off to a poor start when Boulton was castled early on, but Nicholson, in fine form, and Pinnell, not in any form, took the score to 40 odd before the latter was ‘plumb’ LBW. Croucher pulled his first ball into the wheat field and proceeded to crash 37 including two more sixes and three fours giving the innings much-needed impetus. David Horler was equally aggressive and saw the total to 116 for 5 – no panic obviously.
Babington though have a curious knack of making the simple seem impossible and wickets began to tumble; Croucher, Jolliffe and Nick Wigzell departed in quick succession and Copsey was unlucky to be caught at mid-off from a stinging drive. Six runs were needed with Potter, seriously bruised hand, and Jack Wigzell at the crease. Jack showed wonderful calmness and his forward defensive strokes were technically superb as he resisted the Tappers thoughts of victory. Potter, unflappable, encouraged him and a couple of singles left four needed for victory.
Brittan hurtled in from the top end and let fly and wild delivery which sped down the hill for four byes earning Babington a famous victory by 1 wicket. The closeness of the match was fitting as the game was played in a tremendous spirit with both teams content to enjoy the lovely surroundings and the simple joy of playing cricket on a Sunday afternoon.
The innings turned with the introduction of Gerry Copsey from the top end and he mixture of genuine, flight, guile and experience soon changed the tempo of the match, Beaven was bowled playing down the proverbial Bakerloo and the free-scoring Turner was dismissed by probably the best moment of cricket in the match. Having creamed Copsey for four, the bowler held his nerve to float the next delivery higher and slower inducing a full-blooded lofted drive; the ball was propelled vertically miles in the air and a rock-like Nicholson never looked like dropping it.
Harry Fentum was clapped to the wicked be it in funereal fashion and didn’t stay long as Copsey bowled him with an “arm ball” – allegedly! Andrew Jolliffe picked up the wicket of Ruxton but the champagne moment of the match was reserved for Copsey. Another floted delivery deceived Wijeratna in the flight inducing a checked drive to Copsey’s left; the bowler dived, extended his arm and the ball lodged unerringly in his open hand.
Potter got rid of Neate and a chaotic run out left the stage set for Copsey to bag his five week haul when he had Brittan well-held by Burridge. A target of 145 seemed under par and Babington took tea in expectant mood.
The innings got off to a poor start when Boulton was castled early on, but Nicholson, in fine form, and Pinnell, not in any form, took the score to 40 odd before the latter was ‘plumb’ LBW. Croucher pulled his first ball into the wheat field and proceeded to crash 37 including two more sixes and three fours giving the innings much-needed impetus. David Horler was equally aggressive and saw the total to 116 for 5 – no panic obviously.
Babington though have a curious knack of making the simple seem impossible and wickets began to tumble; Croucher, Jolliffe and Nick Wigzell departed in quick succession and Copsey was unlucky to be caught at mid-off from a stinging drive. Six runs were needed with Potter, seriously bruised hand, and Jack Wigzell at the crease. Jack showed wonderful calmness and his forward defensive strokes were technically superb as he resisted the Tappers thoughts of victory. Potter, unflappable, encouraged him and a couple of singles left four needed for victory.
Brittan hurtled in from the top end and let fly and wild delivery which sped down the hill for four byes earning Babington a famous victory by 1 wicket. The closeness of the match was fitting as the game was played in a tremendous spirit with both teams content to enjoy the lovely surroundings and the simple joy of playing cricket on a Sunday afternoon.
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