Images From Nick Wigzell's Last Match

"Yes, we really do have it on a plate!". (Image by steve Osborne)

Debutant Mark Putt (centre), his good lady and Steve Osborne - welcome guest.

Michael Nicholson, Michael Sherring, Jonathon Boulton & a reflective Nick Wigzell.

An umpires view as Wigzell bowls the first ball of the match to a bemused batsmen!

Mike Rowan keeping beautifully with Matt Ellis prowling at backward point and Mark Putt in the foreground. (Image by Steve Osborne)

Another view to strike fear into the heart of any batsmen!!!

Back Row (Left to Right): Gerry Copsey, Andrew Pinnell, Jonathon Boulton, Mark Putt, Nick Wigzell, Michael & James Nicholson.
Front Row (literally!): Mike Rowan, Matthew Ellis, Michael Sherring & Mark Meadows.

Our ever-wonderful Wendy Wimbush aka Nicola Player and Mr. Wigzell - no doubt thrilled that his days of scoring are over!!!

Foreground From Left to Right: James & Michael Nicholson, Mark Putt & Gerry Copsey with back to camera.

Mr. Sherring & Lizzie....

Images From Free Foresters - Sun 5th July

The Free Foresters flag flutters on the five-a-side goalposts adding a reminder to the heritage, traditions and pedigree of this illustrious wandering club.

The obligatory 'babe shot', this time of three committed partners of various Free Foresters who refused to be driven indoors despite the chilly wind and less than sunny conditions.

Messers Standen McDougal, Jolliffe and Tollworthy taking it easy after a long stint in the field and a truly magnificent lunch courtesy of the Babbers' chefs. Ed Weale maintaining his 'suspicious policeman' stance in the background whilst the ever-dedicated Nicola Player studies her scorebook meticulously.

Three victorious Free Foresters celebrate in the Babbers' bar proudly adorned with the clubs' colours - Mark Williams (centre) and Nick Baldwin (right).

Oh dear! Richard Moffat managed to pour a glass of red wine all over his good lady who just happened to be wearing a pair of very white trousers. The Babington staff had the trousers laundered within an hour highlighting the exceptional service the House offers to one and all including errant cricketers!

The charming Mark Williams delighted after his match-winning spell of 6 for 61 which destroyed the Babington batting line-up. Flight, guile and a touch of luck combined to skittle Babbers' for 179. A great effort!

Lord Jolliffe returns sheepishly to the hutch after a duck following an immaculately timed forward defensive stroke was pushed perfectly into the hands of Ben Lyons at short cover. Never mind Andrew, it happens to us all believe me!!!

(From left to right) - Matt Perry, he of England and Bath rugby fame, Mark Williams and our very own Mark Cadbury enjoy a cuppa and scones during tea taken in front of the old chapel.

Father and son Ben and Eddie Lyons enjoying their cup of tea after their contrasting innings. Ben was caught by a blinder at slip by Jonathon Boulton for a Golden, while Eddie compiled an invaluable half century proving that age really doesn't matter! A lovely picture.

Various Free Foresters having a natter under Babington's whispering tree's to quote Sassoon.

(From left to right) - Mark Williams, George Bretton - captain of Free Foresters - and Daniel Simson basking in the fact that FF scored 230 for 6 setting Babbers' a challenging run chase after tea.

Every inch the classical wandering cricketer, Nick Baldwin adopts an almost Corinthian pose.

James Fear, the undisputed Man of the Match after a fabulous innings of 136 characterised by rasping drives, effortless flicks and searing pulls. It was a delight to watch and a lesson to Babington fielders who miss half chances from batsmen of James' calibre at their peril.

Images from BHCC v The Tappers - 14th June 2009

Chester Ellis looking philosophical (even at 12!) as he fields for the opposition.

Lord Jolliffe hands over his match fee after another crushing win.

Ben Tollworthy reflects on yet another Man of the Match performance.

The Tappers' Alistair Ruxton gathering his troops as they embark on an ultimately fruitless chase of Babbers' 221. Ed Weale, left, looks not unlike a suspicious policeman as he keeps a watchful eye on proceedings only confirming his position as 'our man on the inside'.

Nicola Player scrutinising her immaculate scorebook and still wondering just how many balls it took Mark Cadbury to score 38!

Phil de Glanville who won the Champagne Moment of the Match courtesy of a stunning catch and blasted 32 sending his club average soaring into double figures.

Julian Matthews looks pensive at the prospect of fielding after tea.

Mark Cadbury watches Phil de Glanville hit to leg during their opening stand of 53.

BHCC v Babington House Staff - 11th June 2009

Babington House in perfect harmony as the Cricket Club played the Staff on a lovely evening in June. For the record, the Cricket Club scored 155 of twenty overs (with significant contributions from Clive Hambling (32), Andrew Pinnell (47 not out) and Matt Ellis (22)) while the Staff mustered 137 with Tyrone scoring 33 and Lee 35. A tremendous occasion reflecting the depth of the Club itself and the vital role of the staff who ensure cricket at Babington continues to evolve and flourish.

Christian in the foreground proudly keeping an eye on his new son and wondering just what all the fuss is about. Don't worry mate, cricket will soon reach Poland!

A well-earned break for the boys and girls who make cricket at Babington such a joy for us all.

Three Jolliffe daughters frollicking in the sun with Mum and Dad anxious to avoid being in camera shot!

Nick Wigzell hands over to Matt Ellis after his dizzying opening innings of 10. A stalwart of the club and a born number 11, Mr. Wigzell proved that he can also swing the willow when given an opportunity.

No pre-opening nerves either as Nick's lovely smile and genuine good nature continues to brighten any match.

Mike Rowan who went into this match with a Bradmanesque average of over 100 only to be caught for a duck. The game is bigger than us all Mr. Rowan!

Images From The Groucho Match - 7th June 2009

Back Row (Left to right) - Johnny Burridge, Andrew Jolliffe, Andrew Pinnell, Ed Weale, Matt Greenlees, Nick Sinfield.
Front Row - Matthew Ellis, Chester Ellis, Jeremy Player, Johnny Barran and the ever camera-shy Mark Meadows.

Johnny Barran milks the appaluse after a sublime half century.

Nick Sinfield walking off after a murderous and thrilling innings of 71.

The Misses doing the tins respendent in Babbers' jumper.

Johnny Barran at the wicket under a breathtaking sky.

The rain never materialised despite these stunning clouds as the Gods decreed it would not rain at Babbers' today.

With the ball never getting above the knee, JB still can't resist donning the lid!

Four newly arrived guests at the House sip their Champers' whilst watching Babbers' smash it to all parts.

"Ooh Andrew, I hate having my picture taken" - Yeah right babe!!!

The delightful Gemma, Mrs. Greenlees and Ed Weale - our man on the inside!!!

The man himself - Matt Greenlees - House Manager - who won the Champagne Moment Award for smashing his first ball into the 'crowd' for a towering six - pure Aussie mate!

Mark Meadows lovely family chillin' on a Sunday afternoon.