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.
Monday 20 June 2011
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