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!