John Moore Sports - Bath

BHCC has agreed a lucrative sponsorship deal with those delightful people at John Moore Sports in Bath. Any players purchasing equipment from the shop will be given a 10% discount if they just mention that they are a BHCC member. John Moore stock a fabulous array of equipment including the range of Newberry bats so popular with our batters'.

A Perfect Day in Pictures

Should have bought a Ford Fiesta!!!!

From Left, Jack, Mark & Harry Cadbury who along with Rory (not pictured) enjoyed a lovely day proving that it really does run in the family!

The respective Sinfield and Weale families enjoying the sunshine.

The Mells 'barmy army' on tour!

Nick Sinfield gives his captain that familiar scowl!

Smile!!!!

Mike Sherring looking chilled after his fine half century; strangely, he shares a similar physique to the adjacent tree!

David Horler, another half-centurion on his welcome return to the fold. David was one of the founding fathers of the club and captain for many years.

The Wags - Lindsay Cadbury and Sarah Ellis on a perfect, lazy Sunday afternoon.

Pre-match chinwag between Matthew Ellis, Matt Greenless (House Manager) and Ed Weale (Babington Senior Pro)!

A lovely image of Will MacKenzie (left) and Dad, James - just what it is all about!

Yeah Man! Arnie takes it easy before the game. A great stalwart of Mells cricket and welcome visitor to Babington every year.

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

Rain Stop Play!

Long gone are the days when we had to sit shivering in a desolate pavilion watching the rain at a dreadful ground inevitably located in some wasteland near Swindon! The assembled Babington and Wiltshire Queries players almost look chuffed that the game was abandoned as they watch England slaughtering a forlorn Windies team at Durham (where the sun was shining!) on the box. Thanks to all who helped out with the tab! Marketing agencies are suffering too you know!

The Legend that is Mr. Barry Aitken

This fabulous photograph of Barry was taken in the Babington reception on May 18th. It was my intention to take a picture that might adorn the walls of the Long Room or a fine Country House drawing room in recognition of Barry's 25 year contribution to running the Wiltshire Queries. In my head the picture was designed to be authoritative, distinguished and somewhat formal. Given that it was the last shot I had until my camera battery gave up the ghost, it was perhaps fitting that Pino took centre stage and banished any notions of my pretentious nonsense.

Instead, what we have is a picture more akin to a scene at Fawlty Towers of Manuel and the Major. (No offence to either splendid individual intended!)

"Hampshire won Fawlty" - "Did it?"

Club Update - May 19th 2009

Wiltshire Queries Match Cancelled

Sadly, our anticipated match against the Queries was cancelled due to rain, but the two teams enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in the bar regardless. As ever, the service was superb and it was lovely to make new acquaintances and meet up with a few old faces.

Particular mention must go to the wonderful Barry Aitken who has driven the Queries for a quarter of a century with an enthusiasm and passion that is a joy to behold. I had the pleasure of playing regularly for the Queries in a past life and it was an honour to invite them all to Babington even though we didn't play.

We have invited the Queries to play in this year's Sixes Tournament and are also hoping to organise a 20:20 later in the Summer. Both clubs share a quintessentially English approach and, if nothing else, we have established the fixture for future years.

Subs
Mr. Cadbury is on the prowl again and it would be great if you could all cough up a mere £40 (seniors) for the privilege of playing at one of the finest settings in the country. Need I say more?

Babington CC v Babington House

Matt, the wonderfully supportive House Manager, has challenged the Club to a 20:20 match against a team selected from the House staff! We are suggesting a Friday night sometime in June and needless to say, we will never, ever live it down if we lose. Once the date is agreed, a pre-match early night curfew will be made compulsory as will a ban on alcohol for a week prior! Can those interested in playing please let me know please. Also, any suggestions for a suitable trophy or prize - perhaps a set of engraved cocktail glasses!

Hinton Charterhouse Fixture
Thanks for all those that expressed an interest in playing a match at Hinton in the coming weeks. It seems an evening match will be most suitable and I will keep you all posted as to a confirmed date.

Mells Fixture
Congrats to Ed Weale for getting three father and son combinations together for the forthcoming fixture against Mells. The only ones playing without sons are Mike Sherring, Weale himself, Nick Sinfield and Yours Truly and we will be batting 8, 9, 10, Jack! Over to you Cadbury's, MacKenzie's and Ellis'.

Lots more News over the next few weeks.

Midweek Fixture @ Hinton Charterhouse?

We have been kindly invited to play Hinton Chaterhouse in a midweek fixture in June or July at their lovely ground by the evergreen Mark Fricker. Fricks' is a excellent bloke and I played with him at Warminster for years; I met him playing for Hinton at Bath today and I think it would be great if we could muster a team to rekindle the fixture between the two clubs.

Could I ask for expressions of interest or support please?

Thanks in advance

Andrew

Pictures from Wylye Valley Match

Harry Cadbury hugged by Matthew Ellis resplendent in brand new wicket keeping mits!

Julian Matthews with Andy Penn having a sneaky fag in the background!

A panama'd Paddy looking pukka in pink!

Andrew Studholme preparing for an all too short stay at the crease!

Another hug for Harry this time from Chester Ellis resplendent in his new sponsored Newberry kit - lucky boy that he is!

We will get you wearing Babington sweaters before the end of the season Mr. Penn!

You see what we have to put up with!!!!

A blazered Nick Bunday, Lindsay & Harry Cadbury and Matthew Ellis.

And finally, Mark Cadbury himself and lifelong friend Alistair Smellie.

Babs' Beat Wylye Valley By 21 runs

Babington House XI V Wylye Valley - Sunday 3rd May
(Back Row L to R) Andy Penn, Andrew Jolliffe, Andrew Pinnell, Ben Tollworthy, Ed Weale, Chris Player (Injured!) & Will Sherring.
(Front Row L to R) Alistair Smellie, Mike Sherring, Matthew Ellis, Mark Cadbury & Jeremy Player.

Match Report
The sun shone and Babington looked a picture as our illustrious eleven took to the field of play for our first game of the season. Wide-eyed with the sheer joy of striding out onto the hallowed turf so lovingly manicured all winter by Clive Hamblin, the team was in good spirits and welcomed the friendly and familiar foe that is Wylye Valley. The micro helicopter standing menacingly on the boundary edge put thoughts of the credit crunch into perspective and prompted gasps of amazement from the juniors and glances of envy from some of the seniors still wrestling with Brown’s Britain Monday to Friday!

Good natured handshakes and back slapping could not disguise the competitive nature of the fixture which has now become the traditional curtain-raiser for each new season. To use football parlance, bragging rights is a much desired prize among the players many of whom share long-standing friendships and commercial relationships off the field.

Unbelievably, Andrew Pinnell won his eleventh consecutive toss and despite a moment of hesitation, chose to bat following a 30 year instinct to get runs on the board. Sure the pitch was tinged with green and the new ball might swing a touch, but Babbers’ batting line-up looked strong on paper at least. The instinct slightly wavered when it became apparent that the line-up in question might not actually be worth the paper it was written on as we were soon precariously placed at 85 for 7 in the twentieth over.

Mark Cadbury failed to heed the advice of his captain in the nets the previous week and cut uppishly to Barney Stratton at point despite a promising start whilst Alistair Smellie was sent back to the hutch by Matt Ellis’s trigger finger just as he got going. Chunter, chunter in the Cadbury quarter!

Mike Sherring, he of broad shoulders and a wide-open stance, looked impressive and his ‘block one, belt one’ philosophy is reminiscent of Marcus Trescothick. Perhaps that is where the similarity ends as even after he on drove too early to the impressive Peter Catarinella, his trudge back to the deckchairs was phlegmatic and his attitude philosophical. No mental breakdown or wavering of his inner belief here. Sherring, you will score many, many runs this year especially when the pitches harden.

Jeremy Player was keeping his end up nicely and there seemed no need to panic, but Will Sherring was castled by Catarinella for a ‘golden quack quack’ and Player suffered a similar fate to David Leng for 15. Ed Weale who it is rumoured had not left the Babington House premises since the end of last season, strode to the wicket with instructions to have a whack. Sadly, his intimate knowledge of the grounds did him no favours and Leng knocked him over for a couple. When Pinnell played a shot hitherto unknown to any coaching manual let alone himself, we were in the mire and there were mutterings about an early tea.

Never fear, Matt Ellis and Ben Tollworthy are not men to bottle it and both batted superbly to give us a fighting chance. Ellis had not spent half the winter on the phone organising the bloody fixtures just to give it away and Tollworthy curbed his attacking instincts in the cause of survival. The score crawled past the hundred courtesy of many singles and a couple of cracking shots from Ellis; one pinged off his toes exquisitely for four quickly followed by a rasping pull that screamed defiance. It was a shame that he was bowled by a beauty from the immaculately attired Nick Bundy for 26, blue blazer and pressed flannels, as he looked in cracking form.

Tollworthy remained unflappable and nurtured the tail superbly to add another priceless thirty-odd runs. The two Andrew’s, Penn and Jolliffe did their bit too and the latter was under extreme pressure from the presence of his five daughters and his wife watching expectantly from the boundary edge.

Brilliant bowler and genuinely diamond bloke that he is, Lord Jolliffe as he is affectionately known, bats so rarely that his text book forward defensive to his first ball prompted girly squeals of delight from his lovely family and loud cheers from the rest. He even managed a single and a two before being run out in the last over. Take a bow Mr. Tollworthy who finished his knock with a couple of blasts to the boundary to end with 33 not out.

Babbers’ took tea on the front lawn somewhat relieved to have mustered 155 all out. Pinnell sensed this was enough, but said nothing to no-one. Wylye Valley seemed confident, but we have been in this situation many times before. The resumption was slightly delayed as the aforementioned helicopter whirred its way skywards leaving a trail of devastation in its wake as newspapers, glasses and cricket kit was blown to all parts.

Tollworthy and Jolliffe set the tone with three consecutive maidens with our Lord rewarded with the vital wicket of Andrew Studholme bowled all over the place by impeccable line and length. Brother Alex was given a working over by Tollworthy who beat the bat repeatedly before bowling a straight one that clattered into the stumps and Wylye were 4 for 2.

Suave and debonair, Charlie Barkshire struck one beautiful drive for four and David Leng was striking the ball cleaner than anyone on the day. Player and Penn replaced Tollworthy and Jolliffe earlier than many expected, but Pinnell had a cunning plan. Player took a little stick and the plan looked Bauldrickesque, but Sherring took up the reins and Penn was bowling beautifully.

First candidate for Champagne Moment duly arrived when Will Sherring held onto a screaming cut from Barkshire at point off a wide long-hop (obviously) deliberately bowled by brother Mike. It was a gem of a catch and one that inspired the whole team. Not to be outdone, Mike then orchestrated the run-out of Paul Clarke and Smellie bowled Bunday with a peach of an inswinger down the hill.

We now entered the crucial phase of the match as David Leng was batting superbly, driving with power and aplomb against tight bowling from Penn and Smellie who kept nagging away. Paddy Forwood was obstruent at the other end and Wylye were scoring steadily if not dramatically. As ever, Babbers’ fielding was superb despite Sherring M’s obsession with hurling the ball at the stumps at any given opportunity!

Tollworthy returned and quickly removed Paddy for a excellent 28, but Leng moved to a lovely half century courtesy of a huge straight six into the trees and a couple of lusty thumps off Penn’s last over. No matter, Penn’s figures of 0-30 off seven over’s do his spell no justice and he ultimately had his revenge holding onto a searing drive at deep long-off to end David Leng’s excellent innings for 56. Julian Matthews, unsure of whom he was actually playing for, huffed and puffed but Smellie blew his house down as Tollworthy clung on to a swirling skier. The same bowler bowled Barney Stratton before Ellis, perhaps fittingly, caught Catarinella off Tollworthy ending Wylye’s innings on 134.

Many excellent performances on both sides and particular praise must go to the Babington bowlers who really did perform wonderfully. Jolliffe - accuracy personified, Tollworthy - pace and bounce, Penn – line and length with a hint of movement, and Smellie, swing and experience. All four were instrumental in our victory, but don’t forget the match-winning partnership of Ellis and Tollworthy which gave us a fighting chance in the first place.

Babington House CC Won by 21 Runs
Man of the Match – David Leng
BHCC MoM – Ben Tollworthy
Champagne Moment – Will Sherring’s catch at point.