BHCC v Cafe du Paris

Sunny weather at Babington, unheard of this year. Having been put in to bat, we knew it was going to be hard work, as in the 1950s it could only be described as a sticky wicket. Many thanks to Clive for ensuring a game in what can only be the worst summer on record. Mark Gunning and Mark Coxon-Tenty were met by the opening bowler Mr Bailey, who was otherwise known as Bill (his real name is Steve). All three are teachers - off work until September! It was proving difficult to bat, but Mark G was bowled by a beauty from Bill Bailey, that hit the seam outside off stump and jagged back between bat and pad to hit the top of middle and leg. Sherring came in and looked on form, until Barran decided to put himself on. It was too much for Sherring, one massive sweep of the bat - ball missed the off stump by an inch and nearly stumped, he went for another huge hit - this time the ball hit off stump. Johnny has the longest run up to ball speed ratio in the world, coming off at least 20 paces, he manages 54 mph, as he told us from the bowling gun at Lord's. That is the pace of Shane Warne's slower one! However, as has been proved again and again, bowling dibbly dobblies gets wicket at Babington, Johnny getting 3 wickets. Phil de Glanville, James and Nick Mackenzie followed, their natural game is hit each and every ball to the boundary - this is not a wicket to get on the front foot and drive, but they scored quickly. Matt Ellis and Mark Cadbury followed quickly falling to the very accurate Dan Lewis-Williams, who has played for Millfield 1st X1 and is on Glamorgan's books. Barran eventually hurt a muscle in his back, one he didn't realise he had, with his slower ball - can you believe it. He comes storming in from 20 paces, let's out a huge grunt, like a tennis player, and pretends to be putting everything into it, for the ball to go down the wicket at about 35 mph. It was painful to watch but also for Johnny's back. The star of the show for Cafe du Paris was Al Mackenzie, who was brought along and substituted for Mike Rowan who couldn't be arsed to turn up. Al is James's youngest - at 13 years old be looks a fit rugby player, but also bowls for Wiltshire and is the No. 4 bat for them as well. He bowled briskly and accurately, getting his father caught behind by Marcus Codrington (the man of Mongoose fame). The bizarre nature of the game became apparent, when James high-fived his son, joining in the celebrations of losing his wicket, with the opposition. Tollworthy, Harry Cadbury and Peter Catarinella managed to get us to 130 all out, with 3 overs not used of our 35, criminal really. Our turn to bowl. Catarinella and Coxon-Tenty opening up bowling the first 14 overs, both wanting to carry on as they might seize up later, as is the nature of our ageing side. Both bowled very tightly, conceding only 32 runs off their 14 overs, with Peter getting 2 wickets. Tollworthy coming down the hill and Sherring up the hill, again the bowling was tight, but we desperately needed a lack of pace on this wicket - the leg spin of Gilfillan would have been unplayable. Sherring bowled 5 good balls an over and one full toss - which went for 4 most times, conceding only 26 run in 7 overs. We needed a wicket. The left-handed No. 5 Stringer (also a very good keeper) was hitting the bad ball to the boundary. He was being joined by Lewis-Williams who scored quickly for 17 before being caught on the boundary by Nick Mackenzie. Nick has got a huge throw, some 80 yards or so to the top of the stumps and having him on the boundary was a real deterrent. This was the champagne moment, Lewis-Williams launching the ball towards the boundary and Nick taking a catch so nonchalantly at full pace it was a pleasure to watch such a young athlete. Unlike yours truly, who managed to drop 2 catches, only for the batting protagonist to be out in the next few balls. Mark Cadbury bowled some spin, if you can call it that from the top end, conceding 17 off 6 overs and one LBW, until his seventh over when the chips were down and Cafe du Paris needing 6 an over - it went for 12! It was all but over with Nick and James Mackenzie bowling the last few overs really tightly, and with 2 balls to spare Barran's team got over the line. Many thanks to Matt for organising an excellent game that ended up being close, but I think we were just happy to finish only the third game of Babington's cricket season.

BHCC v Mendip Nomads - 24th May 2012 - Match Report

At the third time of asking, with the sun shining and the ground looking fantastic, the BHCC season got under way with a new fixture against the Mendip Nomads - a team made up of various disbanded local teams and put together by Babington's Steven Priscott and friend of the club Simon Hubner. The mind games got under way from the start with Priscott requesting an "old school" declaration match and putting Babington into bat after winning the toss. The innings got off to the worst start possible with Mark Meadows being given out LBW off the first ball from Dunkerley - a brave decision from the umpire with ball moving around and striking the front pad - made worse by the fact there were 12 people in the field and so should have resulted in a no ball and the batsmen being re-called. Chester Ellis followed, also bowled by Dunkerley, in the 3rd over and then Matthews and De Glanville steadied the ship taking the score to 63 before Mathews (15) was bowled by Priscott who was mixing it up with various slower balls and off cutters. This wicket brought Sinfield to the crease who looked like he had never been away hitting the ball hard and true to various parts of the ground. The score now accelerated to 145 when De Glanville (25) was beautifully bowled by Nick Gracey. David Sheridan now came to the crease and steadied the ship supporting Sinfield to reach 59 before he holed out to a fielder on the boundary - the innings had a ton written all over it before that shot but a great innings none the less. Matt Ellis joined Sheridan who eventually went for 34 followed by Ellis who also scored a solid 34. Tollworthy (15 not out) and Midgely (11 not out) saw off the last overs before tea both hitting big sixes. After much niggling from Priscott about when we were going to declare Matt Ellis did declare at tea but it was noted that the Nomads had only managed to bowl 34 overs in the 2.5 hours play for BHCC to reach a good total of 238 runs. After a great tea on the lawn in front of the house the Nomad's got their innings under way just after 5pm but not before Weale and Sinfield had been "warned" by the umpire after the General complained there was too much chat - we were only discussing the quality of the tea! Tollworthy opened the bowling steaming down the hill in his usual fashion and the theme of the field settings was quickly established as he found the edge of the opening pairs bats time after time. At one point we had 7 people marshaling the slip cordon/3rd man area. With the majority of runs coming from the edge of bat and with a quick outfield the Nomads reached 30 runs in pretty quick time before Peter Catrinella was rewarded with 2 wickets after consitently bowling a good line and length up the hill. Tolloworthy toiled away at the other end but was not rewarded for some really good quick bowling. Catrinella and Meadows were involved in a Run Out (great gather by Catrinella) before Chester Ellis (after being coaxed on to bowl by his father) took a wicket. Weale then picked up 3 wickets (after the Captain had stuck with him after a couple of loose overs) getting the ball to swing around a bit and including the wicket of Priscott plumb LBW - he is probably still moaning now!. Meadows then came on for a bowl to make up for his short innings picking up a wicket and Matthews could have had the game wrapped up had Weale not done his usual and dropped a high one out on the boundry - very predictable! Hubner batted strongly at the end for a good 36 before Catrinella brought the innings to an end with a another couple of wickets and 7 overs to spare. A good start to the season with the Captain getting everyone involved in the game, on a beautiful day and on a much improved pitch. Men of the Match - Sinfield for his near perfect 59 and Catrinella for his figures of 7.5 - 1 - 29 - 4 Champagne Moment - Priscotts face when given LBW !

Babington House enjoyed a winning start to the 2012 season with an convincing victoty over Stephen Priscott's Mendip Nomads. On the most joyous of days, Babbers' batted first and racked up 230 odd with Nick Sinfield top scoring with 60. The Nomads were no match for the stella bowling attack of Ben Tollworthy, Ed Weale and Peter Catrinella (among others)only managing around 120 odd. A full report has been promised courtesy of Ed Weale and I await his prose which will no doubt be of the calibre of Cardus!!!!

2012 Season Now Upon Us

The 2012 season has inevitably stalled due to the dreadful weather and the first two matches were cancelled. However, a strong list of fixtures remain and with the heavens brightening Babington will need to field some strong sides in the months to come. Each fixture has been ascribed a match manager and we ask that all players notify them of their availability as soon as possible; scrabbling around for players at the eleventh hour is no fun for anyone!!! Opposing captains are encouraged to keep an eye on this Blog for updates and news and we all look forward to welcoming players old and new to our delightful ground. In case of any problems, please feel free to call me on 07793 293 417 anytime. Andrew Pinnell

BHCC v Free Foresters - Match Report

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!!!

Babington Sixes Tournament - Sunday 28th August

Running Order & Notes For Captains
* Tournament starts at 10am Prompt.
* Players lunch will be served at 1pm.
* Matches will continue through lunch which will be staggered.
* Tea will be taken at 4pm.
* Players Mach Fee = £15 per person inc Lunch & Tea.
* Paying bar available from 10am.
* Burgers will also be available throughout the day for £11.
* Guests can purchase Lunch for £10 per person.

Participating Teams (So Far!!!)

Weale's Warriors
1. Ed Weale (Captain)
2. Norman Botton
3. Jonathon Downey
4. Simon Hubner
5. Tim Simmons
6. Nick Butler

Horler's Heroes
1. David Horler (Captain)
2. Ed Horler
3. Dan Spencer
4. James Callow
5. Tom Alsop
6. Alex Chinnock

Babington A
1. Andrew Pinnell (Captain)
2. Jack Cadbury
3. Harry Cadbury
4. Rory Cadbury
5. James MacKenzie
6. Mike Rowan

Babington B
1. Matt Ellis (Captain)
2. Chester Ellis
3. Steven Priscott
4. Mark Meadows
5. Simon Potter
6. Mike Midgeley


Trolly's Trundlers
1. Andrew Trollope (Captain)
2. Graham Kitley
3. Robbie Robson
4. Phil de Glanville
5. Simon Abendanan


Prizes will be awarded for Player of the Day, Biggest Six of the Day and Player of the Tournament courtesy of Babington House.

BHCC v Milton CC - Match Report

Babington at its best on a glorious summer Sunday as we entertained Milton Cricket Club on a flat, if slightly damp track. Joyously, we won the toss and Steven Priscott needed no second invitation to don the pads and take first strike alongside debutant Nick Gracey. Indeed, the former smote the first ball of the innings airily for four which was indicative of his mindset; sadly, Gracey was knocked over first ball by Reeves bowling with pace down the hill.

Enter, Ben ‘Tolly’ Tollworthy at number 3 and also on a mission it seemed. He and Priscott proceeded to gorge themselves on the bowling which, after Reeves initial burst, was dominated by spin. Priscott heaved mightily at anything pitched up and would no doubt have scored many more had he used a bat without a crack in it; Tollworthy smashed a mighty six to get his innings going and was soon driving with aplomb despite bemoaning the Newberry Krakatoa blade which he claimed had “no middle”.

With these two in full flow the assembled multitudes relaxed in the deck chairs and flicked through the Sunday papers dominated by images of the urban riots. As the sun beat down and the ripening corn swayed in the breeze, it was difficult to equate he two worlds; the nearest thing to a riot on show was when Priscott was sharply warned for running down the wicket by Colin Houseman whose two over’s went for 19!

All was well with the Babington world at least as the hundred came up in the twentieth over and applause echoed across the ground. The equilibrium was only broken when Priscott holed out for an excellent 71 and Tollworthy was stumped for 67, both exceptional knocks.

Mark Coxon-Tenty’s innings only lasted five balls, but contained two fours – one on-drive off his pads oozed pure class – but a walking waft of a shot found a thick edge and he departed much to the disappointment of his watching family. Chester Ellis combined gun-barrel defence with elegant attacking strokes including one absolutely delightful flick off his pads which was reminiscent of Gower in his prime.

It was left to Mike Rowan and Matt Ellis to huff and puff the innings to a close which finished on a challenging score of 190 off 35 overs.

Agreeing to bat for seven overs before tea, Milton were soon in terrible trouble against the combined pie throwers of Andrew Pinnell and Grant Chandler. The latter’s first ball was the worst long-hop ever bowled, but Wilby somehow construed to slap it straight into Pinnell’s mits at mid on.

Raye drove one of Pinnell’s moon balls to Chester Ellis and mid-off, before Lambden and Hubner were deceived by ‘flight and guile’ – or maybe not; “chicken and mushroom” muttered Cocko in the deep!

Our visitors took tea at 19-4 and rumblings about the sandwiches and match fees were audible even over the sound of the rustling trees. Pinnell frowned to himself and remembered the days playing on dreadful municipal pitches with no showers and stale white bread filled with the cheapest ham – Fire in Babylon indeed!!!

A further seven bowlers were deployed after tea in an attempt to open up the game, but when Matt Ellis get’s a wicket you know such an attempt is largely futile. Chester, Trolly and the welcome return of Chris Player illustrated the depth of the Babington bowling attack, but it was Nick Gracey who bagged a brace to offset his Golden’.

The innings fizzled out on 88 with Ellis’s ‘doosra’ trapping Colin Houseman plumb in front after 30 overs. Most of the Milton team chose a hasty exit whilst the rest of us enjoyed the luxury of Babbers on a balmy August evening; shadows stretched across the lawn and the sunlight glistened on the windows of the House as sparkling jugs of ale were purchased with wanton abandon.

Pinnell’s attempt to add a degree of fiscal control to the proceedings was about as effective as Cameron’s austerity measures and the subsequent bar bill told its own story. No matter, days like these are rare indeed and a welcome distraction from the urban mayhem and commercial Armageddon that most of us have to face on Monday mornings!

Babington House – 190 for 5
Milton CC – 94 All Out

Babington Won By 96 Runs

Man of the Match – Shared between Ben Tollworthy & Steven Priscott
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis’s flick off his toes.

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

Brief Report of the Ditcheat Match

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.

Stuffed!!!

So James - yet again we've whipped your butt!!! Who you going to bring next year, Tendulkar????? More to come from a very satisfying victory against Savills.

Images from the the first two matches of the season.

Images From Wiltshire Queries Match

Anyone for tea?

Queries Captain Hamish Horton flanked by who menacing looking team mates.

Matthew Ellis with characteristic determined expression!


Hamish Horton clearly in no mood for defeat!

Owen Alsop, 18, who is at the Hampshire Cricket Academy - we wish him well in his career.

Robert Leachman who has played at over 900 cricket grounds home and abroad!

Ben Tollworthy and his delightful family.

Tuck in boys!

From left: Micheal Sherring, Andrew Jolliffe, Matthew Ellis, Andrew Pinnell, Mark Meadows (with tash - appropriately!) and kneeling, Mark Cadbury. Photo courtesy of Mrs Ellis - despite the Corinthian look - your only as old as the girl you feel!!!

From left: Sarah Ellis, Nicola Player (scorer) & Lindsey Cadbury - all looking incredibly young despite the best attempts of Photoshop!

BHCC v Wiltshire Queries - 15th May 2011

A sense of nostalgia was in the air as we finally managed to play a match against the erstwhile wandering entity that is the Wiltshire Queries. The previous two fixtures were cancelled due to rain and, in a distinctly past life, I regularly played for the Queries when I could, with some justification, call myself a proper cricketer.

Forgive the report being written in the first person, but I felt a tinge of whimsicalness as I drove to Babbers’ with memories of donning the Question Marked shirt at far flung grounds such as Shrivenham, Oxford Downs and Tidworth; of rock hard pitches, sumptuous lunches, toasts to the Queen through gritted teeth and the odd century heaven forbid.

The first Tubeway Army was my soundtrack as the Beamer glided through the leafy Somerset lanes; I felt a touch nervous not because I didn’t want to lose, but moreover, I didn’t want Babington to be stuffed. On their day, the Queries can be formidable.

Upon arrival at an expectant Babington, it represented a special moment to drape the Queries flag over the five-a-side goalposts and greet Barry Aitken – a man who embodies the spirit and tradition of the Queries with his tireless dedication to organisation and endeavour.

Hamish Horton, Queries captain and an imposing figure, won the toss and surprisingly asked Babington to bat first on a straw-coloured strip tinged with green. The two Mark’s, Cadbury and Meadows, opened up against a strong attack comprising Rupert Bagnall’s (2 for 7)left-arm over and Owen Alsop’s (1 for 27) out and out pace.

The latter is a prestigious talent at the Hampshire Cricket academy and a good friend of Liam Dawson who currently opens the batting for the county; the fact that I played cricket against Liam’s father who opened the bowling for Goatacre for years, only added to my realisation that I am getting old.

Meadows looked in good touch from the off employing the right hand to drag powerfully to leg; Cadbury on the other hand was far from his fluent best and soon succumbed to a skied cover drive as his renowned impatience got the better of him. Sherring (8) looked composed but was soon given out leg before and Mark Gunning’s style of hitting the ball late yielded 11 before being caught.

Thankfully, Meadows was hitting the ball to all parts and reached his fifty with only 68 on the board. His rationale of hitting anything pitched-up was typified by one glorious flick off his toes and series of rapier-like pulls off anything fractionally short.

The hundred arrived in the 23rd over, but Meadows perished shortly afterwards bowled by Simon Campbell (1 for 36) off an inside edge attempting to up the run rate. He made 87 and richly deserved a century as it was arguably his best knock for Babington yet.

With the overs running out, I had a swipe for 21 and middle a couple leaving father and son Matthew (11 not out) and an increasingly confident Chester Ellis (19 no) to add 30-odd priceless runs in between poor Ben Tollworthy getting a first ball blob. Wayne Eggelstone (0 for 39) and J. Nickell (1 for 35) all bowled combatively and Hamish lobbed up some donkey-drops at the end.


We took tea more than content with our score of 175 for six off 35 overs.

Alsop and Eggelstone started the Queries reply against the contrasting attack of Tollworthy and Andrew Jolliffe. Ben, all fire and Brimstone down the hill proved a real handful and was unlucky not to get Alsop’s prized wicket when yours truly dropped a skimming chance at second slip... age again I am afraid.

At the other end, Jolliffe answering the last minute call which dragged him off the sofa, was his metronomic self and he saved my blushes when a good length ball popped off Alsop’s splice into my grateful mits. Tollworthy’s spell of 0 for 16 after seven hostile offers was superb and the fact that he remained wicketless should not detract from a superb display.

The unfairness of the game was perhaps highlighted when Ben was replaced by Chester Ellis who promptly took a wicket with his first ball enticing Egglestone (35) to top edge to his Dad at the wicket.

Mike Sherring replaced Jolliffe (1 for 30) and enjoyed a fascinating dual with David Hayward who batted with considerable style. Good-length balls were defended stoutly whilst anything loose was driven through the ‘V’ with the straightest of bats.
Slowly but surely however, the Queries were falling behind the run rate despite the enticing ‘moon balls’ served up by Robert Leachman from the bottom end. The lack of pace from our guest player bamboozled all the batsman who reverted to cross-batted swipes in an attempt to add impetus to the scoreboard. Wheeler perished stumped by a gleeful Ellis and a couple of farcical run-outs put the Queries on the back foot.

Our visitors hopes rested with Simon Campbell and Hamish Horton, but the former was bowled ‘neck and crop’ by the first ball of Chester Ellis’s second spell and Horton was well caught on the very edge of the boundary by Meadows off Cadbury’s liquorice all sorts. The previous ball had sailed into the top boughs of the trees and for a fleeting moment, it looked like we might be in trouble. With the big guns silenced, the overs petered out with the Queries closing on 151 for 8.

So, another victory against quality opposition and our unbeaten run now stretches back to July 2009 unbelievably. This win was built on Meadow’s batting foundation and the combined spirit off the team in the field personified by Matt & Chester Ellis – feisty is a word that springs to mind.

The Queries flag was duly folded up and put away and the assembled multitude made for the bar. Personal memories of the Queries linger long in the memory, but it was good to win – especially after a hugely enjoyable and competitive match.

Babington House CC – 175 for 6
Wiltshire Queries – 151 for 8
Babington Won By 11 Runs

Man of the Match – Mark Meadows – 87
Champagne Moment – Chester Ellis knocking over Simon Campbell for a golden!

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!

2011 Season Is Upon Us

Hi to one and all and after a long winter, the 2011 Babington House Cricket Club season is almost upon us.

The fixtures have been published opposite, but there are a couple more matches to be added. You will note that a number of clubs are visting Babington for the first time and I know you will extend a warm welcome to new guests who will know doubt marvel at our luxurious surroundings!!!!

As ever, I request that you give the Match Managers maximum support in terms of letting them know of your availability at the earliest opportunity.

We have a great fixture list this year and the club continues to grow in both stature and membership, but it needs the collective contributions of us all to build on the solid foundations already in place.

Please feel free to contact me on either 07793 293 417 or andrew@impress-media.co.uk and I look forward to another fantastic season ahead.

Can't wait - Andrew

The Almost Perfect 10!!!

Just a quick note to confirm that the scheduled final match of the season against the Forest Irregulars on the 5th September has been cancelled. This obviously means that our season has finished with the remarkable record of played ten, won nine and only a winning draw against the Free Foresters spoiling an almost perfect record. We hosted a wonderful sixes tournament too which provided one of the highlights of the season.

A fantastic season and my sincerest thanks to everyone who contributed in whatever form; either by playing, scoring, serving the teas or supporting. As ever, the combination of Babington's unique ambience and the diverse personalities of all those involved in the club contributes to a very special brand of cricket which has again given much pleasure to all. Perhaps the Pakistan test team could take a few leaves out of our book!!!!

I dare say I will post a review of the season in due course and look forward to meeting up with one and all in the coming months. In the meantime, I repeat my heartfelt thanks to all of you that have made the 2010 season so memorable....

Best wishes

Andrew....

Images From Mells Match - 21st August 2010

BHCC v Mells - 21st August 2010 - Match Report

I make no apologies for a whimsical match report following our 50-odd run victory against Mells as the very essence of the match was far more important than the mere formalities of the statistics. Yes we won, but it is of little consequence as the match itself was played in a spirit that transcends any notions of winners and losers.

The only winner was the game itself and the fundamental attitude of all the senior players that took part who long ago discarded their own personal performances in favour of providing an atmosphere in which the youngsters could learn and flourish. Ultimately, this match embodied all that is wonderful about cricketers who really get it; about players that have been there, done it and worn the bloody T-shirt to a point of madness.

Perhaps more than any other, two players absolutely embody this spirit, this special bond with the game that makes cricket the most glorious, eccentric game in existence; from Babington, Cocko (Mark Coxon-Tenty) is a batsmen of phenomenal pedigree who played one of the best innings I have ever seen in scoring 186 against the Free Foresters earlier this year, and from Mells, Julian Saviour, a man that can destroy any attack with blistering power and a canny bowler to boot.

Having played senior cricket for over thirty years, both men would feature in my all-time dream eleven and yet on a sultry Sunday at Babbers, they were happy to contribute absolutely sod-all to the match in terms of runs and wickets. However, in terms of insight, experience and support for the new generations, both guys never stopped giving everything despite hangovers and pre-occupations with village finals at Taunton. Gents, none of this is lost on a humble captain who feels a deep sense of honour to be orchestrating these matches knowing damn well that you are with me; knowing that our own scores no longer matter, knowing that we have had our glory days and now is the moment to give something back to the game to which we owe so much.

There are other heroes too of course, but Julian and Cocko really do highlight the point I am making. It would be so easy to ramble on about another victory and the sumptuous teas that have become such a feature of our club, but again in would miss the point. The real point is that Mells fielded at least five players under sixteen and Babington’s top scorers were Chris Player and Ed Alexander who have excelled as a consequence of the atmosphere in which we play our cricket these days; attacking, fair and supportive, spurred on by the barked encouragement of Mark Cadbury, Giles Lunt and David Horler to name but three. Christ, this is the easiest team to captain in the world because we all share the values, the same desire and the same understanding that the game is more important than all of us.

For me, all of these sentiments were embodied in one glorious moment. Julian was umpiring and Harry Cadbury was bowling up the hill. He had already been called for a couple of very wide ‘wides’ when his last ball of the over pitched at least three feet outside off stump. It was a definite wide and God Mells need the runs, but Julian was reading a higher script and simply called “over”. I was fielding at mid-wicket and I looked at Julian with a silent smile to which he responded with a wry grin; at that very moment any personal ambitions I had for scoring centuries or winning cricket matches evaporated; it is no longer my role to be governed by averages or the scorebook; like Julian, my job is to give the younger guys confidence and a platform on which they can learn their craft, make their own mistakes and celebrate their own achievements. It would have mattered not if we had got stuffed!

As it happened and for the record, we won the toss and naturally batted first on a classic Autumnal green-top after heavy overnight rain. Ed Alexander pulled with immense power despite using a Newbury bat with a seemingly minuscule sweet spot, whilst Mark Cadbury dithered in his own world of indecision. Indeed, Cadbury was first to go driving without real conviction to be caught and bowled prompting the usual forensic self-depreciating analysis by my favourite whipping boy – shut-up man and just accept that age is getting the better of us!

Chris Player is flourishing as both a batsman and a bowler and his uncomplicated style soon began proving dividends. Despite some truly horrendous ‘moos’ to leg, he soon found his range and drove beautifully through the ‘V’ to reach 68 before holing out to Julian in the deep. Alexander perished after bringing up an aggressive fifty and Giles Lunt swished briefly, before a premeditated heave across the line saw his stumps emphatically destroyed. Ed Horler made a welcome return to the side and whacked 32 including a lofted six into the tennis courts ensuring that we posted a score of 205 for 5 off 35 overs.

Mells gave all their youngsters a chance with the bat and we responded in kind by opening the bowling with Jack Cadbury. As ever, Jack’s classical action and off-stump line caused all the batsmen problems and his five overs went for just ten runs. At the other end, Chandler’s half-decent leggies had Melville sharply caught behind by Alexander, but he was soon banished to the boundary in favour of Harry Cadbury who again impressed despite a wayward start.

Pinnell, for reasons that not even he can explain, delivered five overs of utter rubbish and somehow had Simon Edwards (Mells’ captain and best player) acrobatically caught by Ed Horler who also bowled a tidy spell without reward. Rory Cadbury, twelve years lest we forget, ran in with his beautiful smile and had Dave Carter well caught by David Horler at mid-on. In between times, Mark Cadbury gave a fielding display that was rather unkindly likened to Stephen Hawking by some on account of its sheer lack of physical co-ordination. Dropping catches, diving on his head and mis-fielding on the boundary only further underlined the need for our hero to accept the inevitable and join Pinnell in the deck chairs reserved for non-contributing administrators. What the hell is wrong with Giles Clarke any way? Of course, I jest!!!

Indeed, in recognition of his own sad incompetence, we gave Mark the last over and, with absolute typical bravado, he bowled left-handed. With all the momentum of a snail in slow motion, his first delivery just about reached the batsmen who promptly slapped it into the covers were eldest son Jack took a sharp catch. Only Cadbury Senior can do this; just when you think he is washed up, blown out and on the scrapheap, he does something remarkable; something ridiculous; something so memorable that his previous misdemeanours are somehow erased.

As you can no doubt imagine, I have heard about nothing else since and I have made an appointment with an ear specialist when the season finally ends! It was just left to Giles Lunt to deliver the last rites and he picked-up a brace leaving Mells on 157 for 9 with our man Julian not even bothering to don his pads and heading instead to the Cowshed!

And so we retired to the lawn and huddled under the sun-shades as storm clouds rumbled over the darkened lake. The conversation touched on many themes not least Cadbury’s excursions to the red light district of Amsterdam and the gone but never forgotten Johnny Barron’s legendary appearance in the bar wearing only a Babington bath robe. Cocko refused any invitations to drink alcohol preferring to wallow in his own self-induced booze-fuelled haze and Giles and I just giggled about nights out in George Street!!!!

As ever, a lovely Sunday afternoon at Babbers that just proves our club is like no other with an array of characters that would be frankly unbelievable even on the big screen. The spirit, the attitude and the sheer sense of fun is what underpins our efforts and creates a somewhat surreal ambience that is irrepressible to all that have the pleasure to be involved.

Babington House - 205 for 5 off 35 overs.
Mells - 157 for 9.
Babington House Won By 48 Runs

Men of the Match - Ed Alexander & Chris Player for equally fine fifties.
Champagne Moments - Mark Cadbury dropping a catch and ending up on his head, plus his left arm bowling in the final over.

BHCC v The Star Inn, Bath - 15th August 2010