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!!!
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