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