Images from The Wild Oats Match - 27th June 2010

Centurion Julian Matthews celebrating his epic innings after the match with his very proud son - a wonderful image to commemorate a glorious knock!

Only one person in this picture is German!!! Any guesses? Check out the expression on the guy to Stephie's left!!!

Rory 'butter wouldn't melt in my mouth' Ellis.

A chilled Ben Tollworthy, cherubic Rory Cadbury flanked by his Mum and full time WAG - Lindsey!!!

It's the hope that killed us! Still full of optimism, but it quickly subsided....

Lord Jolliffe in fetching green chats to the Priscott family.

Andrew Standen MacDougal preparing for the match.

Rory Cadbury who bowled superbly and touched the hearts of one and all.

James MacKenzie taking on the Wendy Wimbush role in his usual suave manner.

The absolute joy that is Johnny Barran who made a six hour round trip to play. Mate -you are a star!

The usual suspects in typically laconic poses.

Nuff said!!!!

BHCC v The Wild Oats - 27th June 2010 - Match Report

Babington’s ‘Hollywood Summer’ continued with a thumping Twenty20 victory over The Wild Oats on a day of quintessential Englishness; of course we lost the footie to Germany and the hopes of a nation were crushed during ninety minutes of abject failure, but beyond that the vibrant colours of Glastonbury lit-up the West Country already basking in the most joyous of summer days and Babington was quite simply at its picture-postcard best.

We started early, still full of wide-eyed optimism, convinced the three lions would roar and I even had New Order’s ‘World in Motion’ blaring out of the Beamer on my way through the leafy lanes of Somerset. In the back seats with the roof down, my daughters and their friends were quite naturally horrified!!! Oh Christ – I really am an eighties-Dad after all!!!

Cruising down the Babington drive with the girls on their feet, it was apparent that this was going to be one of those very special days that cricketers the world over dream of; Matt Ellis was fiddling with the deckchairs still on a high from Muse’s admittedly spectacular set the previous evening, excited kids ran around in football tops and the Babington lawns were packed with roasting guests sipping Pimms and reading the papers.

What more could we ask for?

Well to win the toss for one, but Lizzie’s feeble flick of the coin came down tales and after a nudge in the right direction, The Wild Oats captain, Richard Buxton, bravely invited us to bat. Result. Julian Matthews and Stephen Priscott, both in prime form, donned the pads and got us off to a flyer even against some accurate bowling from Gouriet and Griffiths. After three whacked fours, Priscott holed out to cover and the already imperious Matthews was joined by the ever-elegant Johnny Barran who proceeded to demonstrate the coaching manual as if written by Sir Jack Hobbs himself; elbow to the angels, helmeted head immaculately still and the ball barely leaving Clive’s manicured carpet. It was something of a surprise when he too was caught swishing for one of the most stylish ten’s you will ever see!

No matter at the other end, an innings of breathtaking brilliance was unfolding. Julian Matthews is a fearless batsman who lives and dies by his Gray Nichols blade and it was as if the Gods were on his side. His savage driving sent the ball sailing deep into the bean field whilst one murderous pull landed over 20 yards into the tennis court. His knock though was not just about raw power and an exquisite cut through point demonstrated his exceptional technique; a quickish ball got big on him just outside off-stump only for Jules to rock back on his twinkling toes before sending the ball rasping to the boundary. It truly was the shot of the day and one that even had Mr. Barran purring with appreciation.

Julian cruised past fifty in a flurry of sixes whilst Andrew Standen-MacDougal thrashed hard at the other end. The tins were rattling along at ten an over before Andrew was caught for 13. Without a run to my name this season, it was a relief to get off the mark and despite playing cat and mouse with the fielders, I scratched a piss-poor 30 odd and watched green-eyed as Julian reached a deserved and memorable century. He hit seven sixes and eight fours in one of the best innings ever played on our beautiful ground and the applause he received from all and sundry following his retirement was heartfelt. Congratulations Julian, it was a pleasure to watch and thrilling that your sons were present too.....

With 182 on the board, we were never going to lose especially as we had one of the strongest bowling attacks I can ever remember. Ben Tollworthy’s four overs were superb and he beat the bat on umpteen occasions before finding an edge that sailed through a non-existence first for four. Lord Jolliffe, revelling in the early start, put it (largely) on the spot as usual, but as often is the case, it was rank half-tracker that saw the end of the dangerous looking Hunt for a quickfire 20.

Barran replaced the inexplicably wicketless Tollworthy and sent down two miserly overs of cutters, and swingers to be rewarded by the scalp of someone who is named in the scorebook as Eke! At the other end, Andrew Standen Mac. bowled with similar variety and rolled back the years with a brace including M. Buxton for a solid 28, whilst the ever smooth James MacKenzie castled Richard Buxton with a beauty.

We were fielding superbly and the chitter-chatter was genuinely amusing as Mark Cadbury in particular became ever more vocal. However, the champagne moments of the day were provided by Rory Cadbury, just twelve and with a cherubic smile that will be his Amex credit card throughout his future life, he bowled three exceptional over’s down the hill against batsman all intent on smashing him to oblivion. The sheer joy of watching Rory run to the wicket with his starlight smile etched on his young face touched us all and it was wonderful when he found E. Buxton’s feathered edge gleefully snaffled by Matt Ellis. He then knocked over Griffiths and finished with figures of 2 for 9 from his spell reminding us all of the bygone thrill of playing cricket as innocent boys.

Not to be overshadowed by his son, Mark took the ball for the last over and promptly yorked a bemused Adrian Leng with a searing deliver that would have troubled most. Normal service was quickly resumed and he was clattered for a couple of fours enabling The Wild Oats to limp past the hundred much to the disgust of the uber-competitive Ellis behind the timbers. The finished on 110 and Babington can be pleased with a thrilling performance of attacking cricket typified by an inspiring display in the field; Matthews bagged a couple of skiers and Priscott nonchalantly held on to a hard, flat skimmer on the boundary.

It really was ‘our day’ and, as we wandered over to the House, it was a delight to take our tea alongside jugs of foaming ale with the spoils already in the bag. Anticipation in the bar was palpable as our boys kicked off in South Africa, but it was not long before most of us retired to the hazy sanctuary of the lawns preferring to bask in the sun than have our souls sunk in the bar.

With the kids running hither and thither sipping Shirley Temples, the WAGs providing a dash of glamour and the bar tab rising, we all shared a truly lovely few hours hanging out under the watchful eye of the most majestic of houses telling our stories and puffing fags.

I’ve said it before, but really, guys it does not get any better than this.....

Thanks to one and all for a perfect English summer’s day......

Oh, except for the bloody football..... Tossers!

Sixes Tournament - 31st July 2010

The following was included in the Babington House July Enewsletter

Babington Sixes on the Lawns, Saturday 31 July
Join us for a traditionally English summer’s day! We’ll be hosting cricket sixes on the lawn, music, entertainment, BBQ and an exclusive Lolapalooza pop-up boutique for the ladies. Bespoke picnic hampers, complete with wine are available from £35. Bring a rug and enjoy a family day out!

Email cricketsixes@babingtonhouse.co.uk

Images From The Ditcheat Match - 20th June 2010

Stephen Priscott who had a chequered day! His brilliant batting made up for a sporting bowling spell although both were characterised by the ball flying into the bean field at regular intervals!

Perfection!

Gregor, who along with the rest of the Babington staff, really do look after us superbly and tolerate our Sunday madness almost without question.

Obviously Babington is typified by cool, understated style, iconic brands and an appreciation of chic and sophistication. I therefore present to you Mr. Mark Cadbury who seems to think it is ok to dress like this in public. Mate, what you do at home is your own affair, but please - pack it in before we call the fashion police!!!

Lord Jolliffe wearing an expression that can only have been caused by Cadbury's appearance.

Honestly.....

Stewart & Silvia from Soho House who spent the afternoon watching the match unfold.

Matthew Ellis and Jason Moore getting up close and personal.

Mrs Priscott and son Boris wondering what all the fuss is about.

Caroline Weale, Freddie and Vikki chillin' out - as I mentioned ladies, filed under WAGS!

According to Sarah Ellis, the new BHCC baggy green caps are a disgrace, but we think they are suitably eccentric and strangely appropriate.

Andrew Jolliffe with his wonderful family just before the match started.

The legend that is Steven Priscott - bowled like a drain, but belted four sixes later on to seal our victory! An up and down day against his former team mates.

Another legend, this time Mr. David Horler who didn't bat or bowl but took a stunning catch and reminded us all of what a true a gent he is. Great to see him back in the fold.

Jesus - Messrs. Cadbury and David Eaton who spent the whole day winding each other up on and off the pitch. Even when Ellis and I left at 11ish they were still at it.

Giles Lunt - the one and only - enjoys sucking on a fag as part of his pre-match ritual - he must be doing something right as his direct hit from cover got us on our way and set the standard for a electric fielding display.

Images from The Tappers Match - 6th June 2010

Openers' Mark Cadbury & Mark Meadows - perhaps only the pair of them know what is going on here, but it has something to do with pink rubber!



The very essence of our club philosophy.



'Rear of the Year' Award go's to??? Answers on a postcard please!



Man of the Match Nick Sinfield prepares to blast the ball to all parts....



Nick's father and Mark Cadbury both of whom have the same taste in trousers!



Chris Player, Mike Sherring and Nicola Player (scorer) take it very easy....

BHCC v The Tappers - Match Report - 6th June 2010

Unlike the pointless ‘Test’ (I use the word in its loosest sense) taking place between England and Bangladesh at Old Trafford, Babington House produced an exhilarating performance to beat The Tappers by 44 runs. Our cricket was characterised by some murderous batting, attacking bowling and eclectic field-placings which combined to dismantle the talented visitors.

Joyously, we won the toss on one of those delightful Sunday afternoons for which we all crave; a swimming pool sky, gentle breeze and outbursts of warm sunshine that shone down on this humble enclave of rural beauty. The two Mark’s, Meadows and Cadbury, opened up with their classical styles; both tall in their stance and elegant off the front foot, we were soon rattling along at six an over.
Meadows drove imperiously over mid-on for six whilst Cadbury favoured the covers against full-length bowling which rarely threatened.

With the agenda set, the middle and late order reached for the papers, of both the Fleet Street and Rizla variety, and nestled into the deckchairs. Nicola Player fiddled meticulously with the scorebook and the boys kept the scoreboard up to date. All seemed well with the world as the ball was caressed to the boundary populated by picnickers absorbed in their hampers.

With Cadbury on 42 his patience snapped, not for the first time, and he skied to the bowler with the score on 95. Enter Nick Sinfield, a man hardly renowned for playing himself in, and in front of his watching father, embarked on a truly memorable innings. Using the new heavy Newbery bat with a bright pink rubber (‘johnny’ according to Matt Ellis!), Sinfield combined ferocious power to destroy any semblance of resistance from a fading Tappers side. One cover drive seared to the boundary after what seemed like little more than a defensive punch with Sinfield holding his text-book position momentarily and admiringly; yes mate, I noticed!!!

Meadows reached seventy but as he has done so often, gave up a beckoning century in the interests of letting others have a bat. An opener to the core, he is a delight to watch and provides the perfect foil for the middle order. By now, Sinfield was in full flow and a myriad of four and sixes took us past the 150 mark; he was finally run out for a breathtaking knock of 86 and I doubt he has ever batted better.

Chester Ellis showed his rich promise (and technique) and will score mountains of runs in the future while the rest swished the score up to 250; Matt Ellis and Mike Sherring were caught after big heaves, Ed Weale retired while James MacKenzie and Chris Player scampered and remained not out. As for yours truly, an impersonation of a blind man who has never batted before resulted in an inglorious duck and for the first time in my life, I have yet to put bat to ball before mid-June. Retire man, retire!

Tea was taken in the shadows of the silent chapel and the balmy calm only interrupted by the landing of a helicopter in the adjacent field. The pilots joined us for a spread of doorstop sandwiches, apple tarts, scones that threaten even the most svelte of waistlines, homemade jam and dollops of cream; some of us took to the field somewhat slowly!!!

Not Andrew Jolliffe. As befits a man who has just cycled the length of the nation in aid of charity, his new ball spell was instrumental in Babington winning the game. His opening over and first of the season, saw every ball pitch on a metaphorical sixpence and of perfect length just outside off-stump. Dave Smith, former England hockey goalminder and a thoroughbred bat, was rightly bemused and attempted to pull in Jolliffe’s (2 for 22) second over only for the ball to lollop into Sinfield’s gauntlets.

At the other end, Luckes drove MacKenzie (0 for 31) into the bean field for six and looked set for a big score before Sherring, all aggression and bravado, pouched a rasping drive off his own bowling. Sherring (1 for 28) knew, as we all did, that that was largely that and his puffed barrel chest was a marked show of victory.

With the heavy artillery removed, we had the chance to manoeuvre and the bowling changes were multifold; Chester (0 for 16 off 4 overs) and Chris Player (2 for 18) oozed youthful promise and Ed Weale (1 for 10) delighted in knocking over Trevelyan for a well-made 29. Andy Morton grafted for 35 and opposing captain Ali Ruxton lasted even less-time than his opposite number losing his middle peg first ball.

The ‘filth’ of Pinnell, Cadbury (in particular) and Matt Ellis mixed full-bungers with the odd half-decent delivery ensuring The Tappers reached two hundred whilst losing wickets at regular intervals. Tennant made a workmanlike half century, but the result was never in doubt and Sinfield appropriately brought the curtain down on a fine match stumping Briscoe of a Matt Ellis ‘moon ball’....

Flagons of ale followed on the lawn accompanied by the chitter-chatter of two teams that have become great friends. As dusk descended and the pizza’s arrived, Babington looked an absolute picture and we shook hands with our mates from The Tappers who trudged off back to London and Oxford after another great day’s cricket.

Babington House beat The Tappers by 44 Runs

Man of the Match – Nick Sinfield for his blistering knock.

Champagne Moment – A ‘puffed-chested’ Mike Sherring after catching Luckes off his own bowling.