Babington v Mells - 24th May 2009 -Match Report

What a difference a week makes! After the Wiltshire Queries wash-out, Babington played a delightful match against Mells under a azure blue skies and in blazing afternoon sunshine. Cricketers dream of such days, but so few have the genuine privilege of playing at a place like Babington which is at its most picturesque in high summer. The avenue of majestic trees swayed gently in the light breeze casting long shadows across the green outfield still sprinkled with daisies creating a magnificent hazy vista.

As one might expect the weather helped add to the Bank Holiday atmosphere and our mood was only enhanced by winning the toss (again) and batting first. In the spirit of the Fathers & Sons theme, James and Will Mackenzie opened up against the excellent bowling of Richie Rogers and Mells captain Julian Saviour. Rogers swiftly did for them both bowling James and catching Will each for 2.

After ten overs we were crawling along, but Matt Ellis and Michael Sherring are both formidable characters especially in a crisis. Sound technique ensured they saw off the opening bowlers and soon began to gain momentum with a series of powerful blows. Ellis, in great form, pulled and cut with alacrity before dancing down the track and whacking Nigel Griffin for six into the shimmering trees, while Sherring somehow contorts his ‘Peter Willey-like’ open stance to drive murderously through the covers.

The scoreboard began to rattle along as both men gorged on some friendly bowling. Ellis was dropped in the deep by Rogers before reaching his deserved fifty with a succession of pulls through mid-wicket. Ellis was run out somewhat surprisingly when a century beckoned but his 70 was a great knock for the team and provided rich entertainment for the watching galleries bathing in the golden glow. The pair shared a stand of 116 for the third wicket.

Sherring (50)reached his much-coveted half century before giving his wicket away stumped off Seegobin’s leggies, but David Horler (59 retired) was flaying the bowling to all parts revelling in his guest appearance. He played beautifully off his legs and timed the ball effortlessly unlike Pinnell at the other end who heaved with little effect. Horler too passed fifty and like Pinnell (28) retired to enable 12 year old Harry Cadbury (3 not out) and Ollie King (12 not out) to make their respective Babbers’ debuts. Both batted very correctly and remained not out at tea with Babington delighted to post an imposing score of 240 for 4.

Tea was taken on the lawn under the watchful eye of the old chapel from where the true beauty of the setting can be fully appreciated. Nestling in lavish, manicured grounds with a glistening lake, the House stands serene and stately providing a joyous backdrop for those chilling out on the lawns. Frankly, we could have happily joined them, but we had forty overs to get through before we could relax.

Will MacKenzie bowled straight and true from the Wigzell-end and match manager Ed Weale swung his ‘bananas’ effectively up the hill. The first wicket provided a lovely moment for the MacKenzie family as Arnie Seegobin drilled Will’s full-pitched delivery straight to mid-on where his old man took a nonchalant catch shutting up Mark Cadbury in the process – no easy feat I can tell you.

Pinnell mixed up the bowling with everyone having four overs and it really then turned into the Cadbury show. Harry bowled superbly and knocked over Peter Rogers in a tight spell rounding off a great day for Harry who also fielded with great commitment. Rory Cadbury, at 10 even younger than Harry, brightened everyone’s day by bowling with a beaming smile on his cherubic face and picking up three wickets in the process. Two were caught by James MacKenzie while the other was impossibly grabbed an inch off the turf by Dad Mark diving somewhat like a seal at mid-off!

In between times opener Neil Harber batted stoically for 62 and played (technically) the shot of the day driving James MacKenzie sumptuously through mid-on. Julian Seegobin showed spirit for 23 and Julian Saviour hit a mammoth six of Matt Ellis before holing out to Ollie King attempting a repeat; it was a stunning catch by Ollie as the ball came down ‘with snow on it’ as Julian uses a three pound nine ounce bat with edges akin to that of a railway sleeper.

And I must mention a vintage Sherring moment. With Babbers' strolling to victory and trying to give the Mells youngsters some invaluable experience in the middle, one of their batsmen probably only 10 or 11, was run out by a ferocious direct-hit from Mike who could not resist the opportunity to hurtle the ball at the stumps from cover. It was a brilliant piece of fielding which adds fuel to the Sherring legend, but perhaps more appropriate in tougher matches to come old chap!!!!

Fittingly, Jack Cadbury rounded off a great day for his family when Sherring snaffled last man Richie Rogers at extra cover. Mells were dismissed for 147, but the result was of little consequence. The young players from both sides were the real heroes and all showed a great desire to play attacking cricket while respecting the etiquette and traditions of this wonderful game. To see the young guys striding to the wickets under their helmets, or running in to bowl with such enthusiasm reminds us all what we are striving to achieve at Babington.

Many people to thank for contributing to such a splendid day; Ed Weale for match managing so effectively, Nick Sinfield for a cool stint behind the timbers, the attitude of Mells captain Nigel Griffin and senior-pro Julian Saviour, the friends and families on the boundary edge, plus of course the staff at the House who’s increasing interest in our endeavours is truly appreciated.

As good as it gets....

Results Summary

Babington House – 240 for 4

Mells – 147 all Out
Babington won by 93 Runs

Man of the Match – Matt Ellis

Mells Man of the Match – Neal Harber

Champagne Moment – Mark Cadbury’s catch off Rory Cadbury