Babington’s last fixture of 2011 resulted in a drubbing at the hands of the Free Foresters who fielded perhaps the strongest side we have faced for a number of years. Traditionally an all day affair, at one point it looked a distinct possibility that we would not survive until lunch after electing to bat on a genuine ‘sticky wicket’. Given our batting line-up, finding ourselves struggling at 56 for 5 was a disappointment and only served to heighten the Foresters desire to avenge a comprehensive winning draw last year.
It all started so well with Mark Cadbury and Mark Coxon-Tenty looking composed as they adjusted to the slow pace of the pitch. Indeed, Cocko launched a straight six into the trees and all seemed well with the world and the middle order settled into their deck chairs to watch a gentle pre-lunch batting master class. High hopes were soon dashed when Cocko was caught in any number of minds to a short ball outside off-stump which he proceeded to punch without conviction into the hands of short cover. Groans in the cheap seats, but there was worse to come.
Mike Rowan smacked a couple of fours before pulling too early and Rupert Morgan inexplicably missed a full bunger; Steven Priscott and Mark Cadbury both let their impatience get the better of them and before I knew it, I was at the crease trying to ignore the banter from the Foresters’ players behind the stumps. Some of it funny, but most puerile, I have always found that the best way to silence these guys is to smack the living daylights out of the ball and try and regain a semblance of honour with a flashing blade.
A early six over mid-wicket and a couple of whacks through the V at least proved we could bat a bit, but the loss of Matt Ellis bowled through the gate was the catalyst for more chit-chat. Chris Player attacked from the outset and we at least took lunch with eighty-odd on the board and the prospect of pushing on in the afternoon.
A superb lunch of chicken and all the trimmings was served in the Log Room and I encouraged the Foresters’ to stuff their faces knowing that we had to score quick runs straight after. Chris was the perfect foil for a while and his no-nonsense approach enabled us to at least get the board moving. The spinners were obliging and it was fun to ‘milk’ them for a few overs bringing up a personal fifty in the process.
Once Chris was out, there was no option but to attack and a few half trackers sailed over the boundary supplemented by a few genuine cover drives not seen since the heady days of 1986 according to Cocko. It had to end but I had no idea I was on 99 when attempting to hit another six only to mis-time straight into George Bretton’s buckets at deep mid-off.
Chaos ensued with the Cadbury boys desperate to bat and Mark acting as a runner as we swished our way to 203. From our pre-lunch position this was a reasonable effort but nowhere near enough against the Foresters formidable batting line up. The game was virtually won in ten overs before tea whereby Charlie Stuckley and James Croft rattled off 60 runs in no time. Highly competitive and hugely talented, our bowling was lacklustre and our fielding appalling allowing the openers to take control of the match.
Tea was a spectacular affair with Eton Mess added to the usual mix of scones and sandwiches which only served to further hinder our fielding. We dropped any number of catches and failed the persevering bowlers especially Rupert who bowled with great pace and determination.
With Grant Chandler and Cocko lobbing up their pies we took a few wickets mainly due to the batsman trying to smack the ball out of the ground, rather than any genuine threat.
Croft made a chanceless 77 before giving his wicket away, Stuckley cruised to 46 and Wisset-Warner hit 27 leaving Gibbs (37 no) and Raj Pillai (8 no) to knock off the winning runs in the 35th over. It was the most comprehensive of victories and despite having to take such a hammering squarely on the chin, Babington need to take inspiration from the Free Foresters illustrious history and obvious quality. We have all the ingredients required to re-energise the club in the close season and build on the foundations laid over the past decade or so. If yours truly can still score 99, then anything is possible!
Babington House – 203 All Out
Free Foresters – 204 for 4
Free Foresters Won by Six Wickets
Man of the Match – James Croft for a great all round bowling display.
Champagne Moment - Eton Mess for Tea - what luxury!!!
Monday 22 August 2011
Babington Sixes Tournament - Sunday 28th August
Running Order & Notes For Captains
* Tournament starts at 10am Prompt.
* Players lunch will be served at 1pm.
* Matches will continue through lunch which will be staggered.
* Tea will be taken at 4pm.
* Players Mach Fee = £15 per person inc Lunch & Tea.
* Paying bar available from 10am.
* Burgers will also be available throughout the day for £11.
* Guests can purchase Lunch for £10 per person.
Participating Teams (So Far!!!)
Weale's Warriors
1. Ed Weale (Captain)
2. Norman Botton
3. Jonathon Downey
4. Simon Hubner
5. Tim Simmons
6. Nick Butler
Horler's Heroes
1. David Horler (Captain)
2. Ed Horler
3. Dan Spencer
4. James Callow
5. Tom Alsop
6. Alex Chinnock
Babington A
1. Andrew Pinnell (Captain)
2. Jack Cadbury
3. Harry Cadbury
4. Rory Cadbury
5. James MacKenzie
6. Mike Rowan
Babington B
1. Matt Ellis (Captain)
2. Chester Ellis
3. Steven Priscott
4. Mark Meadows
5. Simon Potter
6. Mike Midgeley
Trolly's Trundlers
1. Andrew Trollope (Captain)
2. Graham Kitley
3. Robbie Robson
4. Phil de Glanville
5. Simon Abendanan
Prizes will be awarded for Player of the Day, Biggest Six of the Day and Player of the Tournament courtesy of Babington House.
* Tournament starts at 10am Prompt.
* Players lunch will be served at 1pm.
* Matches will continue through lunch which will be staggered.
* Tea will be taken at 4pm.
* Players Mach Fee = £15 per person inc Lunch & Tea.
* Paying bar available from 10am.
* Burgers will also be available throughout the day for £11.
* Guests can purchase Lunch for £10 per person.
Participating Teams (So Far!!!)
Weale's Warriors
1. Ed Weale (Captain)
2. Norman Botton
3. Jonathon Downey
4. Simon Hubner
5. Tim Simmons
6. Nick Butler
Horler's Heroes
1. David Horler (Captain)
2. Ed Horler
3. Dan Spencer
4. James Callow
5. Tom Alsop
6. Alex Chinnock
Babington A
1. Andrew Pinnell (Captain)
2. Jack Cadbury
3. Harry Cadbury
4. Rory Cadbury
5. James MacKenzie
6. Mike Rowan
Babington B
1. Matt Ellis (Captain)
2. Chester Ellis
3. Steven Priscott
4. Mark Meadows
5. Simon Potter
6. Mike Midgeley
Trolly's Trundlers
1. Andrew Trollope (Captain)
2. Graham Kitley
3. Robbie Robson
4. Phil de Glanville
5. Simon Abendanan
Prizes will be awarded for Player of the Day, Biggest Six of the Day and Player of the Tournament courtesy of Babington House.
Tuesday 16 August 2011
BHCC v Milton CC - Match Report
Babington at its best on a glorious summer Sunday as we entertained Milton Cricket Club on a flat, if slightly damp track. Joyously, we won the toss and Steven Priscott needed no second invitation to don the pads and take first strike alongside debutant Nick Gracey. Indeed, the former smote the first ball of the innings airily for four which was indicative of his mindset; sadly, Gracey was knocked over first ball by Reeves bowling with pace down the hill.
Enter, Ben ‘Tolly’ Tollworthy at number 3 and also on a mission it seemed. He and Priscott proceeded to gorge themselves on the bowling which, after Reeves initial burst, was dominated by spin. Priscott heaved mightily at anything pitched up and would no doubt have scored many more had he used a bat without a crack in it; Tollworthy smashed a mighty six to get his innings going and was soon driving with aplomb despite bemoaning the Newberry Krakatoa blade which he claimed had “no middle”.
With these two in full flow the assembled multitudes relaxed in the deck chairs and flicked through the Sunday papers dominated by images of the urban riots. As the sun beat down and the ripening corn swayed in the breeze, it was difficult to equate he two worlds; the nearest thing to a riot on show was when Priscott was sharply warned for running down the wicket by Colin Houseman whose two over’s went for 19!
All was well with the Babington world at least as the hundred came up in the twentieth over and applause echoed across the ground. The equilibrium was only broken when Priscott holed out for an excellent 71 and Tollworthy was stumped for 67, both exceptional knocks.
Mark Coxon-Tenty’s innings only lasted five balls, but contained two fours – one on-drive off his pads oozed pure class – but a walking waft of a shot found a thick edge and he departed much to the disappointment of his watching family. Chester Ellis combined gun-barrel defence with elegant attacking strokes including one absolutely delightful flick off his pads which was reminiscent of Gower in his prime.
It was left to Mike Rowan and Matt Ellis to huff and puff the innings to a close which finished on a challenging score of 190 off 35 overs.
Agreeing to bat for seven overs before tea, Milton were soon in terrible trouble against the combined pie throwers of Andrew Pinnell and Grant Chandler. The latter’s first ball was the worst long-hop ever bowled, but Wilby somehow construed to slap it straight into Pinnell’s mits at mid on.
Raye drove one of Pinnell’s moon balls to Chester Ellis and mid-off, before Lambden and Hubner were deceived by ‘flight and guile’ – or maybe not; “chicken and mushroom” muttered Cocko in the deep!
Our visitors took tea at 19-4 and rumblings about the sandwiches and match fees were audible even over the sound of the rustling trees. Pinnell frowned to himself and remembered the days playing on dreadful municipal pitches with no showers and stale white bread filled with the cheapest ham – Fire in Babylon indeed!!!
A further seven bowlers were deployed after tea in an attempt to open up the game, but when Matt Ellis get’s a wicket you know such an attempt is largely futile. Chester, Trolly and the welcome return of Chris Player illustrated the depth of the Babington bowling attack, but it was Nick Gracey who bagged a brace to offset his Golden’.
The innings fizzled out on 88 with Ellis’s ‘doosra’ trapping Colin Houseman plumb in front after 30 overs. Most of the Milton team chose a hasty exit whilst the rest of us enjoyed the luxury of Babbers on a balmy August evening; shadows stretched across the lawn and the sunlight glistened on the windows of the House as sparkling jugs of ale were purchased with wanton abandon.
Pinnell’s attempt to add a degree of fiscal control to the proceedings was about as effective as Cameron’s austerity measures and the subsequent bar bill told its own story. No matter, days like these are rare indeed and a welcome distraction from the urban mayhem and commercial Armageddon that most of us have to face on Monday mornings!
Babington House – 190 for 5
Milton CC – 94 All Out
Babington Won By 96 Runs
Man of the Match – Shared between Ben Tollworthy & Steven Priscott
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis’s flick off his toes.
Enter, Ben ‘Tolly’ Tollworthy at number 3 and also on a mission it seemed. He and Priscott proceeded to gorge themselves on the bowling which, after Reeves initial burst, was dominated by spin. Priscott heaved mightily at anything pitched up and would no doubt have scored many more had he used a bat without a crack in it; Tollworthy smashed a mighty six to get his innings going and was soon driving with aplomb despite bemoaning the Newberry Krakatoa blade which he claimed had “no middle”.
With these two in full flow the assembled multitudes relaxed in the deck chairs and flicked through the Sunday papers dominated by images of the urban riots. As the sun beat down and the ripening corn swayed in the breeze, it was difficult to equate he two worlds; the nearest thing to a riot on show was when Priscott was sharply warned for running down the wicket by Colin Houseman whose two over’s went for 19!
All was well with the Babington world at least as the hundred came up in the twentieth over and applause echoed across the ground. The equilibrium was only broken when Priscott holed out for an excellent 71 and Tollworthy was stumped for 67, both exceptional knocks.
Mark Coxon-Tenty’s innings only lasted five balls, but contained two fours – one on-drive off his pads oozed pure class – but a walking waft of a shot found a thick edge and he departed much to the disappointment of his watching family. Chester Ellis combined gun-barrel defence with elegant attacking strokes including one absolutely delightful flick off his pads which was reminiscent of Gower in his prime.
It was left to Mike Rowan and Matt Ellis to huff and puff the innings to a close which finished on a challenging score of 190 off 35 overs.
Agreeing to bat for seven overs before tea, Milton were soon in terrible trouble against the combined pie throwers of Andrew Pinnell and Grant Chandler. The latter’s first ball was the worst long-hop ever bowled, but Wilby somehow construed to slap it straight into Pinnell’s mits at mid on.
Raye drove one of Pinnell’s moon balls to Chester Ellis and mid-off, before Lambden and Hubner were deceived by ‘flight and guile’ – or maybe not; “chicken and mushroom” muttered Cocko in the deep!
Our visitors took tea at 19-4 and rumblings about the sandwiches and match fees were audible even over the sound of the rustling trees. Pinnell frowned to himself and remembered the days playing on dreadful municipal pitches with no showers and stale white bread filled with the cheapest ham – Fire in Babylon indeed!!!
A further seven bowlers were deployed after tea in an attempt to open up the game, but when Matt Ellis get’s a wicket you know such an attempt is largely futile. Chester, Trolly and the welcome return of Chris Player illustrated the depth of the Babington bowling attack, but it was Nick Gracey who bagged a brace to offset his Golden’.
The innings fizzled out on 88 with Ellis’s ‘doosra’ trapping Colin Houseman plumb in front after 30 overs. Most of the Milton team chose a hasty exit whilst the rest of us enjoyed the luxury of Babbers on a balmy August evening; shadows stretched across the lawn and the sunlight glistened on the windows of the House as sparkling jugs of ale were purchased with wanton abandon.
Pinnell’s attempt to add a degree of fiscal control to the proceedings was about as effective as Cameron’s austerity measures and the subsequent bar bill told its own story. No matter, days like these are rare indeed and a welcome distraction from the urban mayhem and commercial Armageddon that most of us have to face on Monday mornings!
Babington House – 190 for 5
Milton CC – 94 All Out
Babington Won By 96 Runs
Man of the Match – Shared between Ben Tollworthy & Steven Priscott
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis’s flick off his toes.
Monday 25 July 2011
BHCC v Rode - Match Report
Babington suffered their second defeat of the season, but enjoyed an enthralling match against Rode – a new fixture. Winning the toss on a somewhat crusty wicket, Babington batted first only to make something of a mess of things from the outset.
With the bulk of the team’s mainstay holidaying in sunnier climes, captain Andrew Pinnell and Jonathon Downie opened up only for the latter to depart cheaply caught off the admirable looping spin of ‘Tex’ Taylor. Ben Tollworthy strode to the wicket clearly on a mission and smacked a couple of delightful boundaries to open his account, whilst Pinnell scratched around like an old hen at the other end.
Sadly it was not to last as Ben heaved with gusto only to be bowled by Taylor’s deceptive flight. Julian Mathews innings was similar although his stumps were dislodged by Hairfield for a typically aggressive 14. Pinnell slowly began to find the middle of the bat and lofted Taylor into the top of the tallest tree on the avenue and lamped a couple of pulls over mid-wicket off Hopkins who dropped short on occasions.
Once Pinnell (40) was caught at mid-on attempting a wristy flick more suited to a rock hard track that was largely that. Ed Weale is already filling out his application to the Primary Club and Mike Midgely suffered the ignominy of another quacker quickly followed by Andy Trollope who at least managed to lay bat on ball. Simon Potter drove hard to cover and Jack Matthews spooned a catch in the same direction leaving David Sheridan high and dry at the other end.
To the credit of Rode’s skipper Kevin Ristorick, they invited Jack to bat again given that we only had 10. The score at that point was 82 and technically we were all out. Sheridan took advantage of his reprieve and hit a powerful 35 giving the final score of 124 something of a flattering appearance.
Despite our swift demise, we took to the field in strangely confident mood and soon reduced Rode to 11 for 5 courtesy of a stella opening spell from Ben Tollworthy. Bowling like a man possessed, he had C. Hairfield spectacularly caught at slip by Weale who somehow managed to cling on to an absolute stinging chance low to his left. Catching the ball and wheeling away in delight all in one movement, he looked like an over-stuffed swallow as he was mobbed by his incredulous team-mates.
There was more to follow as Hopkins was bowled neck and crop before Powell was gleefully pouched by Julian Matthews at mid-on. At the other end, Andrew Trollope’s unwavering line and length was rewarded with G. Hairfield’s feathered edge and Ristorick himself was caught by a less than elegant Pinnell at silly mid-on off Tollworthy.
20 for 5 then at tea, but Pinnell had shot most of his bowling bolts and perhaps only he knew how fragile the supporting attack might be. Indeed, after Trolly (1 for 14) and Tolly (4 for 14) (sorry!) finished their epic spells, Pinnell elected to bowl himself along with Julian Mathew’s hardly used leggies.
The early wicket of L. Harfield (crikey, how many are there in that family!!) proved a false dawn as the score crept above 60 with Smith making 18 and ‘Rusty’ Russell looking imperious. The latter’s knock of 64 not out won the game for Rode and was characterised by stubborn defence and innovative shots; reverse sweeps, subtle nudges and the odd smashed boundary deservedly saw Rode home in the final over.
Ultimately, Babington can have few complaints for losing as they failed to field a full side for the third time this season. Until this is rectified, the club stand little chance against determined opposition such as Rode who turned up with an energetic and forceful team who deserved their victory.
The game will be remembered for Weale’s uber-catch, the renaming of Trolly & Tolly who both bowled superbly, Rusty’s delightful innings and a the general good spirit throughout.
Babington need to go back to the drawing board if the club is to have any longevity going forward.
BHCC – 123 All Out (82 really)
Rode CC – 124 for 8
Rode CC won by 2 wickets.
Man of the Match – Rusty for an excellent knock of 64 no.
Champagne Moment - Ed Wele's slip catch off Tollworthy
With the bulk of the team’s mainstay holidaying in sunnier climes, captain Andrew Pinnell and Jonathon Downie opened up only for the latter to depart cheaply caught off the admirable looping spin of ‘Tex’ Taylor. Ben Tollworthy strode to the wicket clearly on a mission and smacked a couple of delightful boundaries to open his account, whilst Pinnell scratched around like an old hen at the other end.
Sadly it was not to last as Ben heaved with gusto only to be bowled by Taylor’s deceptive flight. Julian Mathews innings was similar although his stumps were dislodged by Hairfield for a typically aggressive 14. Pinnell slowly began to find the middle of the bat and lofted Taylor into the top of the tallest tree on the avenue and lamped a couple of pulls over mid-wicket off Hopkins who dropped short on occasions.
Once Pinnell (40) was caught at mid-on attempting a wristy flick more suited to a rock hard track that was largely that. Ed Weale is already filling out his application to the Primary Club and Mike Midgely suffered the ignominy of another quacker quickly followed by Andy Trollope who at least managed to lay bat on ball. Simon Potter drove hard to cover and Jack Matthews spooned a catch in the same direction leaving David Sheridan high and dry at the other end.
To the credit of Rode’s skipper Kevin Ristorick, they invited Jack to bat again given that we only had 10. The score at that point was 82 and technically we were all out. Sheridan took advantage of his reprieve and hit a powerful 35 giving the final score of 124 something of a flattering appearance.
Despite our swift demise, we took to the field in strangely confident mood and soon reduced Rode to 11 for 5 courtesy of a stella opening spell from Ben Tollworthy. Bowling like a man possessed, he had C. Hairfield spectacularly caught at slip by Weale who somehow managed to cling on to an absolute stinging chance low to his left. Catching the ball and wheeling away in delight all in one movement, he looked like an over-stuffed swallow as he was mobbed by his incredulous team-mates.
There was more to follow as Hopkins was bowled neck and crop before Powell was gleefully pouched by Julian Matthews at mid-on. At the other end, Andrew Trollope’s unwavering line and length was rewarded with G. Hairfield’s feathered edge and Ristorick himself was caught by a less than elegant Pinnell at silly mid-on off Tollworthy.
20 for 5 then at tea, but Pinnell had shot most of his bowling bolts and perhaps only he knew how fragile the supporting attack might be. Indeed, after Trolly (1 for 14) and Tolly (4 for 14) (sorry!) finished their epic spells, Pinnell elected to bowl himself along with Julian Mathew’s hardly used leggies.
The early wicket of L. Harfield (crikey, how many are there in that family!!) proved a false dawn as the score crept above 60 with Smith making 18 and ‘Rusty’ Russell looking imperious. The latter’s knock of 64 not out won the game for Rode and was characterised by stubborn defence and innovative shots; reverse sweeps, subtle nudges and the odd smashed boundary deservedly saw Rode home in the final over.
Ultimately, Babington can have few complaints for losing as they failed to field a full side for the third time this season. Until this is rectified, the club stand little chance against determined opposition such as Rode who turned up with an energetic and forceful team who deserved their victory.
The game will be remembered for Weale’s uber-catch, the renaming of Trolly & Tolly who both bowled superbly, Rusty’s delightful innings and a the general good spirit throughout.
Babington need to go back to the drawing board if the club is to have any longevity going forward.
BHCC – 123 All Out (82 really)
Rode CC – 124 for 8
Rode CC won by 2 wickets.
Man of the Match – Rusty for an excellent knock of 64 no.
Champagne Moment - Ed Wele's slip catch off Tollworthy
Monday 20 June 2011
Brief Report of the Ditcheat Match
We remain unbeaten following a close victory against local rivals Ditcheat. Writing a report from afar is difficult, but suffice to say it was a niggly match played by 22 highly competitive blokes on a pitch that was understandably green following June's unseasonal showers.
Batting first, we looked in trouble following the early dismissals of Mark Meadows and Mark Coxon-Tenty only for Mark Cadbury and Matt Ellis to embark on the repair job. Cadbury, straight and classical lost his middle stump when attempting an extravagant drive, but Ellis was sublime as he cut and pulled his way to a superb 70.
Like many teams, Ditcheat paid the penalty for dropping short and Ellis simply cut the bowling to ribbons. Having reached 148 for 5, we then capitulated to 151 all out leaving Ditcheat a very sporting total.
With tea not ready, Ditcheat (unwisely in my view) agreed to bat for ten overs before the interval losing two wickets and scoring just 17 runs in the process. After a long wait for scones and jam, Ditcheat set about their target with gusto against accurate bowling from Andrew Trollope and Coxon-Tenty. Andrew Jolliffe and Chester Ellis both bowled with their customary energy, but Ditcheat were creeping ever closer with Nick Morgan especially fluent.
The game ebbed and flowed and the banter from the boundary only added to the excitement. Cadbury bowled the penultimate over only to be smacked for a maximum which left Ditcheat requiring six off the last over bowled by Coxon-Tenty - arguably, the best man in such a tight situation.
A few dot balls mingled with a couple of scrambled singles left Ditcheat needing four from the last ball. Coxon-Tenty's delivery was full and straight and resulted in just a single and yet another close win for Babington.
Already, the tales of 'why's and wherefore's' are filtering in my direction and one can only imagine the nature of the banter between Cadbury and David Eaton. However, the Babington spirit that defines our club inspired yet another good win which preserves the bragging rights over some of our fellow members for another year.
Unlucky Ditcheat, but "must try harder"!!!!
Man of the Match - Matthew Ellis for his excellent knock of 70
.
Champagne Moment - Cadbury's smug grin after the final ball!!!
It could be seen from central Bath!!!!
Babington House Won By 3 Runs.
Batting first, we looked in trouble following the early dismissals of Mark Meadows and Mark Coxon-Tenty only for Mark Cadbury and Matt Ellis to embark on the repair job. Cadbury, straight and classical lost his middle stump when attempting an extravagant drive, but Ellis was sublime as he cut and pulled his way to a superb 70.
Like many teams, Ditcheat paid the penalty for dropping short and Ellis simply cut the bowling to ribbons. Having reached 148 for 5, we then capitulated to 151 all out leaving Ditcheat a very sporting total.
With tea not ready, Ditcheat (unwisely in my view) agreed to bat for ten overs before the interval losing two wickets and scoring just 17 runs in the process. After a long wait for scones and jam, Ditcheat set about their target with gusto against accurate bowling from Andrew Trollope and Coxon-Tenty. Andrew Jolliffe and Chester Ellis both bowled with their customary energy, but Ditcheat were creeping ever closer with Nick Morgan especially fluent.
The game ebbed and flowed and the banter from the boundary only added to the excitement. Cadbury bowled the penultimate over only to be smacked for a maximum which left Ditcheat requiring six off the last over bowled by Coxon-Tenty - arguably, the best man in such a tight situation.
A few dot balls mingled with a couple of scrambled singles left Ditcheat needing four from the last ball. Coxon-Tenty's delivery was full and straight and resulted in just a single and yet another close win for Babington.
Already, the tales of 'why's and wherefore's' are filtering in my direction and one can only imagine the nature of the banter between Cadbury and David Eaton. However, the Babington spirit that defines our club inspired yet another good win which preserves the bragging rights over some of our fellow members for another year.
Unlucky Ditcheat, but "must try harder"!!!!
Man of the Match - Matthew Ellis for his excellent knock of 70
.
Champagne Moment - Cadbury's smug grin after the final ball!!!
It could be seen from central Bath!!!!
Babington House Won By 3 Runs.
Monday 23 May 2011
Stuffed!!!
So James - yet again we've whipped your butt!!! Who you going to bring next year, Tendulkar????? More to come from a very satisfying victory against Savills.
Saturday 21 May 2011
Images From Wiltshire Queries Match
Anyone for tea?
Queries Captain Hamish Horton flanked by who menacing looking team mates.
Matthew Ellis with characteristic determined expression!
Hamish Horton clearly in no mood for defeat!
Owen Alsop, 18, who is at the Hampshire Cricket Academy - we wish him well in his career.
Robert Leachman who has played at over 900 cricket grounds home and abroad!
Ben Tollworthy and his delightful family.
Tuck in boys!
From left: Micheal Sherring, Andrew Jolliffe, Matthew Ellis, Andrew Pinnell, Mark Meadows (with tash - appropriately!) and kneeling, Mark Cadbury. Photo courtesy of Mrs Ellis - despite the Corinthian look - your only as old as the girl you feel!!!
From left: Sarah Ellis, Nicola Player (scorer) & Lindsey Cadbury - all looking incredibly young despite the best attempts of Photoshop!
BHCC v Wiltshire Queries - 15th May 2011
A sense of nostalgia was in the air as we finally managed to play a match against the erstwhile wandering entity that is the Wiltshire Queries. The previous two fixtures were cancelled due to rain and, in a distinctly past life, I regularly played for the Queries when I could, with some justification, call myself a proper cricketer.
Forgive the report being written in the first person, but I felt a tinge of whimsicalness as I drove to Babbers’ with memories of donning the Question Marked shirt at far flung grounds such as Shrivenham, Oxford Downs and Tidworth; of rock hard pitches, sumptuous lunches, toasts to the Queen through gritted teeth and the odd century heaven forbid.
The first Tubeway Army was my soundtrack as the Beamer glided through the leafy Somerset lanes; I felt a touch nervous not because I didn’t want to lose, but moreover, I didn’t want Babington to be stuffed. On their day, the Queries can be formidable.
Upon arrival at an expectant Babington, it represented a special moment to drape the Queries flag over the five-a-side goalposts and greet Barry Aitken – a man who embodies the spirit and tradition of the Queries with his tireless dedication to organisation and endeavour.
Hamish Horton, Queries captain and an imposing figure, won the toss and surprisingly asked Babington to bat first on a straw-coloured strip tinged with green. The two Mark’s, Cadbury and Meadows, opened up against a strong attack comprising Rupert Bagnall’s (2 for 7)left-arm over and Owen Alsop’s (1 for 27) out and out pace.
The latter is a prestigious talent at the Hampshire Cricket academy and a good friend of Liam Dawson who currently opens the batting for the county; the fact that I played cricket against Liam’s father who opened the bowling for Goatacre for years, only added to my realisation that I am getting old.
Meadows looked in good touch from the off employing the right hand to drag powerfully to leg; Cadbury on the other hand was far from his fluent best and soon succumbed to a skied cover drive as his renowned impatience got the better of him. Sherring (8) looked composed but was soon given out leg before and Mark Gunning’s style of hitting the ball late yielded 11 before being caught.
Thankfully, Meadows was hitting the ball to all parts and reached his fifty with only 68 on the board. His rationale of hitting anything pitched-up was typified by one glorious flick off his toes and series of rapier-like pulls off anything fractionally short.
The hundred arrived in the 23rd over, but Meadows perished shortly afterwards bowled by Simon Campbell (1 for 36) off an inside edge attempting to up the run rate. He made 87 and richly deserved a century as it was arguably his best knock for Babington yet.
With the overs running out, I had a swipe for 21 and middle a couple leaving father and son Matthew (11 not out) and an increasingly confident Chester Ellis (19 no) to add 30-odd priceless runs in between poor Ben Tollworthy getting a first ball blob. Wayne Eggelstone (0 for 39) and J. Nickell (1 for 35) all bowled combatively and Hamish lobbed up some donkey-drops at the end.
We took tea more than content with our score of 175 for six off 35 overs.
Alsop and Eggelstone started the Queries reply against the contrasting attack of Tollworthy and Andrew Jolliffe. Ben, all fire and Brimstone down the hill proved a real handful and was unlucky not to get Alsop’s prized wicket when yours truly dropped a skimming chance at second slip... age again I am afraid.
At the other end, Jolliffe answering the last minute call which dragged him off the sofa, was his metronomic self and he saved my blushes when a good length ball popped off Alsop’s splice into my grateful mits. Tollworthy’s spell of 0 for 16 after seven hostile offers was superb and the fact that he remained wicketless should not detract from a superb display.
The unfairness of the game was perhaps highlighted when Ben was replaced by Chester Ellis who promptly took a wicket with his first ball enticing Egglestone (35) to top edge to his Dad at the wicket.
Mike Sherring replaced Jolliffe (1 for 30) and enjoyed a fascinating dual with David Hayward who batted with considerable style. Good-length balls were defended stoutly whilst anything loose was driven through the ‘V’ with the straightest of bats.
Slowly but surely however, the Queries were falling behind the run rate despite the enticing ‘moon balls’ served up by Robert Leachman from the bottom end. The lack of pace from our guest player bamboozled all the batsman who reverted to cross-batted swipes in an attempt to add impetus to the scoreboard. Wheeler perished stumped by a gleeful Ellis and a couple of farcical run-outs put the Queries on the back foot.
Our visitors hopes rested with Simon Campbell and Hamish Horton, but the former was bowled ‘neck and crop’ by the first ball of Chester Ellis’s second spell and Horton was well caught on the very edge of the boundary by Meadows off Cadbury’s liquorice all sorts. The previous ball had sailed into the top boughs of the trees and for a fleeting moment, it looked like we might be in trouble. With the big guns silenced, the overs petered out with the Queries closing on 151 for 8.
So, another victory against quality opposition and our unbeaten run now stretches back to July 2009 unbelievably. This win was built on Meadow’s batting foundation and the combined spirit off the team in the field personified by Matt & Chester Ellis – feisty is a word that springs to mind.
The Queries flag was duly folded up and put away and the assembled multitude made for the bar. Personal memories of the Queries linger long in the memory, but it was good to win – especially after a hugely enjoyable and competitive match.
Babington House CC – 175 for 6
Wiltshire Queries – 151 for 8
Babington Won By 11 Runs
Man of the Match – Mark Meadows – 87
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis knocking over Simon Campbell for a golden!
Forgive the report being written in the first person, but I felt a tinge of whimsicalness as I drove to Babbers’ with memories of donning the Question Marked shirt at far flung grounds such as Shrivenham, Oxford Downs and Tidworth; of rock hard pitches, sumptuous lunches, toasts to the Queen through gritted teeth and the odd century heaven forbid.
The first Tubeway Army was my soundtrack as the Beamer glided through the leafy Somerset lanes; I felt a touch nervous not because I didn’t want to lose, but moreover, I didn’t want Babington to be stuffed. On their day, the Queries can be formidable.
Upon arrival at an expectant Babington, it represented a special moment to drape the Queries flag over the five-a-side goalposts and greet Barry Aitken – a man who embodies the spirit and tradition of the Queries with his tireless dedication to organisation and endeavour.
Hamish Horton, Queries captain and an imposing figure, won the toss and surprisingly asked Babington to bat first on a straw-coloured strip tinged with green. The two Mark’s, Cadbury and Meadows, opened up against a strong attack comprising Rupert Bagnall’s (2 for 7)left-arm over and Owen Alsop’s (1 for 27) out and out pace.
The latter is a prestigious talent at the Hampshire Cricket academy and a good friend of Liam Dawson who currently opens the batting for the county; the fact that I played cricket against Liam’s father who opened the bowling for Goatacre for years, only added to my realisation that I am getting old.
Meadows looked in good touch from the off employing the right hand to drag powerfully to leg; Cadbury on the other hand was far from his fluent best and soon succumbed to a skied cover drive as his renowned impatience got the better of him. Sherring (8) looked composed but was soon given out leg before and Mark Gunning’s style of hitting the ball late yielded 11 before being caught.
Thankfully, Meadows was hitting the ball to all parts and reached his fifty with only 68 on the board. His rationale of hitting anything pitched-up was typified by one glorious flick off his toes and series of rapier-like pulls off anything fractionally short.
The hundred arrived in the 23rd over, but Meadows perished shortly afterwards bowled by Simon Campbell (1 for 36) off an inside edge attempting to up the run rate. He made 87 and richly deserved a century as it was arguably his best knock for Babington yet.
With the overs running out, I had a swipe for 21 and middle a couple leaving father and son Matthew (11 not out) and an increasingly confident Chester Ellis (19 no) to add 30-odd priceless runs in between poor Ben Tollworthy getting a first ball blob. Wayne Eggelstone (0 for 39) and J. Nickell (1 for 35) all bowled combatively and Hamish lobbed up some donkey-drops at the end.
We took tea more than content with our score of 175 for six off 35 overs.
Alsop and Eggelstone started the Queries reply against the contrasting attack of Tollworthy and Andrew Jolliffe. Ben, all fire and Brimstone down the hill proved a real handful and was unlucky not to get Alsop’s prized wicket when yours truly dropped a skimming chance at second slip... age again I am afraid.
At the other end, Jolliffe answering the last minute call which dragged him off the sofa, was his metronomic self and he saved my blushes when a good length ball popped off Alsop’s splice into my grateful mits. Tollworthy’s spell of 0 for 16 after seven hostile offers was superb and the fact that he remained wicketless should not detract from a superb display.
The unfairness of the game was perhaps highlighted when Ben was replaced by Chester Ellis who promptly took a wicket with his first ball enticing Egglestone (35) to top edge to his Dad at the wicket.
Mike Sherring replaced Jolliffe (1 for 30) and enjoyed a fascinating dual with David Hayward who batted with considerable style. Good-length balls were defended stoutly whilst anything loose was driven through the ‘V’ with the straightest of bats.
Slowly but surely however, the Queries were falling behind the run rate despite the enticing ‘moon balls’ served up by Robert Leachman from the bottom end. The lack of pace from our guest player bamboozled all the batsman who reverted to cross-batted swipes in an attempt to add impetus to the scoreboard. Wheeler perished stumped by a gleeful Ellis and a couple of farcical run-outs put the Queries on the back foot.
Our visitors hopes rested with Simon Campbell and Hamish Horton, but the former was bowled ‘neck and crop’ by the first ball of Chester Ellis’s second spell and Horton was well caught on the very edge of the boundary by Meadows off Cadbury’s liquorice all sorts. The previous ball had sailed into the top boughs of the trees and for a fleeting moment, it looked like we might be in trouble. With the big guns silenced, the overs petered out with the Queries closing on 151 for 8.
So, another victory against quality opposition and our unbeaten run now stretches back to July 2009 unbelievably. This win was built on Meadow’s batting foundation and the combined spirit off the team in the field personified by Matt & Chester Ellis – feisty is a word that springs to mind.
The Queries flag was duly folded up and put away and the assembled multitude made for the bar. Personal memories of the Queries linger long in the memory, but it was good to win – especially after a hugely enjoyable and competitive match.
Babington House CC – 175 for 6
Wiltshire Queries – 151 for 8
Babington Won By 11 Runs
Man of the Match – Mark Meadows – 87
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis knocking over Simon Campbell for a golden!
Monday 2 May 2011
BHCC v Wylye Valley - May 1st 2011
Babington’s first fixture of the year fell in the laziest of weekend’s with the nation basking in the pomp and pageantry of ‘that wedding’, or merely wallowing in the joy of another day off work. Opinions seemed divided as the assembled players gathered at our joyous enclave eager to get the new season underway with a victory against long-time adversaries, The Wylye Valley.
Despite the recent heatwave, we were greeted by blustery winds, billowing trees and a sticky wicket with a distinctively mottled hue. “Two-paced” was murmured at the toss, although those with more experience privately suspected there would be no pace at all; the latter view proved to be more realistic.
Regardless, Pinnell lost the toss, but was relieved to be asked to bat by Adrian Leng no doubt somewhat scarred by previous defeats when electing to take first knock. Fittingly, Mark Cadbury played out a maiden to the first over from Peter Catarinella, but that was where any notions of conservatism ended.
Will Sherring took 15 from Barney Stratton’s first over benefitting from the extra visibility provided by the luminous pink ball used to combat the dark green backdrop and the absence of sight screens.This ode to modernism proved to be a revelation to all the batsman although Pinnell’s suggestions that the assembled WAGS don miniskirts and pompoms a la the IPL met with a predictably muted response!
Sherring perished in the fourth over caught in two minds and dollying a catch to cover whereupon brother Mike strode to the crease in determined mood. In fine touch, Mike seemed to have all the time in the world as he caressed and nudged the ball all around the wicket; one sublime cover drive punched to the boundary owed as much to deftness as power, but oozed class.
Not to be outdone, Cadbury cut savagely and late illustrating a shot which harked back to the golden age of light bats and flannels – an era which somehow Cadbury embodies more than any other player I know. It was a surprise then when he was bowled neck and crop by one which, if I were being kind, perhaps kept a little low.
Sherring is an altogether different animal and he is at his very best when nurturing the younger players. Enter Rupert Morgan, the personification of a modern cricketer, with his six foot frame statuesque at the crease, high back lift and front foot technique. From his very first ball, it was apparent that Rupert is a cricketers cricketer; elegant, composed and confident prompting knowing glances from the fielders even before he scored his first run. Indeed, his first scoring shot was a classic off-drive drilled to the fence with immense power and style; applause rang out from the cheap seats as his subsequent performance provided a welcome distraction from the wind.
Sherring and Morgan added sixty delightful runs before the former was snaffled at deep long off by David Leng somewhat unluckily as it was a lovely shot. The ball before he flicked nonchantly to the square leg boundary as if he were using a nine-iron and perhaps his confidence slightly got the better of him. Regardless, it was an entertaining half-century and provided a platform for Rupert to display his full repertoire of extravagant strokes.
Both seamers and spinners suffered as he smashed a plethora of fours and sixes most notably through the ‘V’. Standing tall and hitting the ball on top of the bounce, his phenomenal bat speed generated amazing power. One six of Julian Mathew’s was as good as it gets as a good length leg-spinner disappeared into the swaying trees with a mercurial flash of the blade. Once past fifty, Rupert was unstoppable, but his knock was fittingly ended by Matthews who had the wit to keep tossing the ball up. Few will forget Rupert’s debut and it is a sobering thought that he is still just seventeen and primarily a bowler! Joy.
Babington ended up with 234 for 6 after 35 overs which provided the scope to mix things up in the second innings. A good job frankly as our first ten overs disappeared for almost a hundred runs despite Ed Weale and Steven Pricott both bagging a wicket each. Andrew Studholme drove characteristically straight and Mathews showed no shame in taking a heavy toll on Weale despite batting in Babington sweater and cap.
A sense of normality resumed with the introduction of Chester Ellis who’s instant line and length was rewarded with the edge of Matthews bat taken at the wicket by Mike Sherring. Morgan knocked over Studholme and Nick Jones in a brief two-over spell of express pace, before Paul Forward and Jon Lord rebuilt the innings with a stand of forty-odd.
Rory Cadbury bowled beautifully for one so young and Will Sherring’s donkey-drops ensured some good sport as the shadows lengthened. Ben Tollworthy duly gained his coveted wicket up the hill and took a stunning catch as the ball looped over his head in the covers.
As ever, Mark Cadbury stole the show with an impossibly easy dropped catch at mid-off which prompted a barrage of good-natured abuse from all the players including his own!!! Catarinella and Statton enjoyed themselves as the overs petered out making 19 and 25 not out respectively taking the Valley’s score past a very credible 200.
Babington ran out winners by 20 runs which seemed just about right in the circumstances. Everyone batted or bowled (except a reluctant Andrew Jolliffe) and the good-natured atmosphere re-affirmed the very essence of country house cricket.
Most pleasing was the performances of the boys that will carry this club into the future long after Pinnell, Cadbury and Jolliffe etc have retired. Rupert Morgan is a wonderful talent and the continued development of Rory and Chester is a joy to behold; their enthusiasm provides great pleasure to the old guard who really are well past their sell-by date!!!!
Babington House CC – 234 for 6
Wylye Valley – 214 for 8
Babington House Won by 20 Runs.
Man of the Match – Rupert Morgan – Simply superb.
Champagne Moment – Mark Cadbury’s dropped catch off Will Sherring – Preposterous, but hilarious!
Despite the recent heatwave, we were greeted by blustery winds, billowing trees and a sticky wicket with a distinctively mottled hue. “Two-paced” was murmured at the toss, although those with more experience privately suspected there would be no pace at all; the latter view proved to be more realistic.
Regardless, Pinnell lost the toss, but was relieved to be asked to bat by Adrian Leng no doubt somewhat scarred by previous defeats when electing to take first knock. Fittingly, Mark Cadbury played out a maiden to the first over from Peter Catarinella, but that was where any notions of conservatism ended.
Will Sherring took 15 from Barney Stratton’s first over benefitting from the extra visibility provided by the luminous pink ball used to combat the dark green backdrop and the absence of sight screens.This ode to modernism proved to be a revelation to all the batsman although Pinnell’s suggestions that the assembled WAGS don miniskirts and pompoms a la the IPL met with a predictably muted response!
Sherring perished in the fourth over caught in two minds and dollying a catch to cover whereupon brother Mike strode to the crease in determined mood. In fine touch, Mike seemed to have all the time in the world as he caressed and nudged the ball all around the wicket; one sublime cover drive punched to the boundary owed as much to deftness as power, but oozed class.
Not to be outdone, Cadbury cut savagely and late illustrating a shot which harked back to the golden age of light bats and flannels – an era which somehow Cadbury embodies more than any other player I know. It was a surprise then when he was bowled neck and crop by one which, if I were being kind, perhaps kept a little low.
Sherring is an altogether different animal and he is at his very best when nurturing the younger players. Enter Rupert Morgan, the personification of a modern cricketer, with his six foot frame statuesque at the crease, high back lift and front foot technique. From his very first ball, it was apparent that Rupert is a cricketers cricketer; elegant, composed and confident prompting knowing glances from the fielders even before he scored his first run. Indeed, his first scoring shot was a classic off-drive drilled to the fence with immense power and style; applause rang out from the cheap seats as his subsequent performance provided a welcome distraction from the wind.
Sherring and Morgan added sixty delightful runs before the former was snaffled at deep long off by David Leng somewhat unluckily as it was a lovely shot. The ball before he flicked nonchantly to the square leg boundary as if he were using a nine-iron and perhaps his confidence slightly got the better of him. Regardless, it was an entertaining half-century and provided a platform for Rupert to display his full repertoire of extravagant strokes.
Both seamers and spinners suffered as he smashed a plethora of fours and sixes most notably through the ‘V’. Standing tall and hitting the ball on top of the bounce, his phenomenal bat speed generated amazing power. One six of Julian Mathew’s was as good as it gets as a good length leg-spinner disappeared into the swaying trees with a mercurial flash of the blade. Once past fifty, Rupert was unstoppable, but his knock was fittingly ended by Matthews who had the wit to keep tossing the ball up. Few will forget Rupert’s debut and it is a sobering thought that he is still just seventeen and primarily a bowler! Joy.
Babington ended up with 234 for 6 after 35 overs which provided the scope to mix things up in the second innings. A good job frankly as our first ten overs disappeared for almost a hundred runs despite Ed Weale and Steven Pricott both bagging a wicket each. Andrew Studholme drove characteristically straight and Mathews showed no shame in taking a heavy toll on Weale despite batting in Babington sweater and cap.
A sense of normality resumed with the introduction of Chester Ellis who’s instant line and length was rewarded with the edge of Matthews bat taken at the wicket by Mike Sherring. Morgan knocked over Studholme and Nick Jones in a brief two-over spell of express pace, before Paul Forward and Jon Lord rebuilt the innings with a stand of forty-odd.
Rory Cadbury bowled beautifully for one so young and Will Sherring’s donkey-drops ensured some good sport as the shadows lengthened. Ben Tollworthy duly gained his coveted wicket up the hill and took a stunning catch as the ball looped over his head in the covers.
As ever, Mark Cadbury stole the show with an impossibly easy dropped catch at mid-off which prompted a barrage of good-natured abuse from all the players including his own!!! Catarinella and Statton enjoyed themselves as the overs petered out making 19 and 25 not out respectively taking the Valley’s score past a very credible 200.
Babington ran out winners by 20 runs which seemed just about right in the circumstances. Everyone batted or bowled (except a reluctant Andrew Jolliffe) and the good-natured atmosphere re-affirmed the very essence of country house cricket.
Most pleasing was the performances of the boys that will carry this club into the future long after Pinnell, Cadbury and Jolliffe etc have retired. Rupert Morgan is a wonderful talent and the continued development of Rory and Chester is a joy to behold; their enthusiasm provides great pleasure to the old guard who really are well past their sell-by date!!!!
Babington House CC – 234 for 6
Wylye Valley – 214 for 8
Babington House Won by 20 Runs.
Man of the Match – Rupert Morgan – Simply superb.
Champagne Moment – Mark Cadbury’s dropped catch off Will Sherring – Preposterous, but hilarious!
Friday 15 April 2011
2011 Season Is Upon Us
Hi to one and all and after a long winter, the 2011 Babington House Cricket Club season is almost upon us.
The fixtures have been published opposite, but there are a couple more matches to be added. You will note that a number of clubs are visting Babington for the first time and I know you will extend a warm welcome to new guests who will know doubt marvel at our luxurious surroundings!!!!
As ever, I request that you give the Match Managers maximum support in terms of letting them know of your availability at the earliest opportunity.
We have a great fixture list this year and the club continues to grow in both stature and membership, but it needs the collective contributions of us all to build on the solid foundations already in place.
Please feel free to contact me on either 07793 293 417 or andrew@impress-media.co.uk and I look forward to another fantastic season ahead.
Can't wait - Andrew
The fixtures have been published opposite, but there are a couple more matches to be added. You will note that a number of clubs are visting Babington for the first time and I know you will extend a warm welcome to new guests who will know doubt marvel at our luxurious surroundings!!!!
As ever, I request that you give the Match Managers maximum support in terms of letting them know of your availability at the earliest opportunity.
We have a great fixture list this year and the club continues to grow in both stature and membership, but it needs the collective contributions of us all to build on the solid foundations already in place.
Please feel free to contact me on either 07793 293 417 or andrew@impress-media.co.uk and I look forward to another fantastic season ahead.
Can't wait - Andrew
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