Babington won an enthralling match by 23 runs in a 35 overs game against the Wylde Oats on a sunny, but blustery afternoon with some claiming they could hear the noise from Glastonbury on the wind. Having witnessed Amy Winehouse on the box the previous evening, this would have seriously put off most of us but the festival weekend added to a party atmosphere throughout the day (and night Mr. Wigzell!).
Fielding a strong team, Pinnell had no hesitation in batting first despite the distinctly two-paced nature of the wicket and by that I mean, slow and very slow. No matter, Mark Meadows and Jonathon Boulton effortlessly put on twenty for the first wicket before the former was given out Lbw by the ever-willing Mark Player standing at the Jolliffe end. Pinnell heard mutterings under the thespians breath as they crossed paths and mused on the irony of his exit - stage left.
Boulton looked in fine form as ever after yet another Eddy Merckx-like arrival at the ground resplendent in fluorescent garb and striking red helmet. Pinnell at the other end was slowly remembering what it is like to stay at the crease for more than five minutes although splitting his trusty Newberry had more to do with a lack of timing than the bats imperfection. The pair survived various dropped catches to put on seventy combining watchful defence with the occasional whack to the boundary.
Rupert Gouriet was bowling exceptionally well from the Wigzell end mixing line and length deliveries with a beautifully disguised slower ball which ultimately accounted for Boulton caught at the wicket. A feathered edge was enough for ‘uber man’ to walk even though umpire and bowler were both in some doubt. Enter Andrew Standen McDougal nursing a hangover but he was soon into his stride hitting powerfully mostly to leg.
Pinnell was finally caught at mid-wicket and Matt Ellis joined A.S.M and the pair rattled off a fifty partnership in no time. The latter hit four towering sixes on his way to an excellent half century before Ellis holed out going for quick runs. Andrew followed in similar fashion and it was left to Ben Tollworthy and Mark Cadbury to take the score beyond 200. Mark danced down the pitch to hit his first ball for a mighty six high over long-on while Ben’s innings, uncharacteristically comprised just singles and twos knackering an increasingly flushed Cadbury in the process.
Tea followed unusually on the front lawn where I have to question Boulton’s project management skills; while orchestrating the serving of the actual tea something got lost in translation between slightly confused Polish waitresses unfamiliar with English etiquette and JB’s desire to for maximum ‘time and motion-like’ efficiency . Crockery was being dispatched hither and tither and even the moving of tables was muted at one point! Regardless, we enjoyed the feast basking in lovely sunshine surrounded by quizzical hotel guests many attending a Christening and others returning from Glasto. The juxtaposition of cricket whites, ladies in best frocks and others in wellies provided a contrast to behold.
In the absence of a poorly Andrew Jolliffe, James ‘Rocket’ Stephenson took the new ball with Nick Wigzell and their differing styles soon had the Wylde Oats languishing at 37 for 3. Rockets’ pace and accuracy was a joy to behold and he deservedly had two Lbw decisions affirmed in a seven over spell that conceded just nine runs. Captain Richard Buxton was run out by a brilliant piece of fielding by (Jonty) Wigzell before ‘Buzz’ Hornett (brilliant) and Gouriet began their respective innings circumspectly.
Seeing off the opening pair, they slowly began to accelerate with 125 required off the final fifteen overs. Buzz drove ferociously over long-off while Rupert displayed a penchant for the square cut. Chris Player took the initial brunt perhaps unfairly bowling three overs up the hill, but he showed great maturity returning later having changed ends. Andrew Standen McDougal took the pressure with Ben Tollworthy as both batsmen began attacking with gusto. The field was pushed back and each and every one of the Babington team stood-up to the ensuing onslaught superbly. Great stops, accurate throwing and relentless encouragement intensified the pressure on both batsmen as the need to score at eight an over took its toll.
Hats off to Andrew and Ben who bowled undaunted and sooner or later something had to give. Almost inevitably, both Buzz and Rupert were run out and each dismissal involved Jonathon behind the stumps. Firstly, his quick thinking saw off Rupert backing up too far and then his direct hit did the same for Buzz. The partnership yielded 115 runs and both batted beautifully.
With their departure, Babington breathed a sigh of relief and there were deserved wickets for Andrew and Chris as the Oats reached 180 for 7. Despite winning by 25 runs, the result was in doubt until Buzz’s dismissal and the spoils of victory were all the more sweeter having been involved in a real battle.
Ultimately, Babington’s collective spirit was the difference between the sides, but we thank the Wylde Oats for giving us a wonderful match. We returned to the lawn for lively chatter over a few jugs of an alcoholic nature, although there was plenty of the other variety on view too. Spain won the football and live coverage from Glastonbury followed, entertaining the stragglers over a mixture of cocktails and cider.
In the words of Lou Reed, “just a perfect day”.
Babington Man of the Match
Andrew Standen McDougall for a great knock and timely bowling spell.
Wylde Oats Man of the Match
Rupert Gouriet for a fighting half century and testing six overs with the ball.
Champagne Moments
Mark Cadbury’s first ball six smashed over the road.
JB’s run out of Buzz Hornett – someone mentioned Eric Bristow!
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