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.
Showing posts with label Match Reports 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Match Reports 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Monday, 16 August 2010
BHCC v The Star Inn - 15th August 2010 - Match Report
On a lovely still afternoon, Babington entertained The Star Inn from Bath for the first time and the contrast between the two respective hostelries could not be more stark; Babington House, with its manicured rolling lawns, designer chic ambience and media-cool clientele is a million miles away from The Star’s ‘spit and sawdust’ culture, real ales and shove ha’penny table that makes it one of Bath’s most popular and authentic boozers.
The reality is that I love both places it was a personal pleasure to invite The Star to Babbers as the pub is situated directly opposite my pad. Since moving to Bath some eighteen months ago, both the staff and the regulars have afforded me the warmest of welcomes and it was only a matter of time before we met on the field of play. The Star’s cricket team is over 25 years old and they play Sunday league cricket so we expected a tough encounter.
However, Babington fielded a hardened team that mixed youth and experience with Mark Cadbury joined by his three sons that in itself was special. At one point, the whole on-side comprised only Cadbury’s and I felt a tinge of paternal pride watching the four of them dominate half of the whole field. Meanwhile, my two daughters and their friends were pre-occupied by Shirley Temples, giant-sized pizza’s and running up a ‘tab’ at the bar which is a precedent that I going to have to get used to over the coming years no doubt.
Shock horror, we lost the toss and were asked to field and opened the bowling with Jack Cadbury down the hill and Grant Chandler. Chandler struck first with a drifting leg-break that was sharply snaffled by a chattering Giles Lunt in the gulley off Tennant’s edge, before bemusing Cammann in the flight and knocking back his middle peg. Mark Cadbury held on to a mis-timed drive from Shanahan to give Mike Sherring his first wicket, before the same bowler comprehensively cleaned-up J. Boreham with a yorker.
The Star was reeling at 30 odd for four so it was the perfect opportunity to let Harry and Rory Cadbury take up the attack. Both excelled extolling the simple virtues of line and length and Rory, just twelve remember, bowled Donaldson off an under edge. Harry then ran out Steady from behind square and Rory had Steele caught at the wicket off a swinging good length ball which Ed Alexander pouched with glee.
Sherring returned and responded to his captain’s goading by bowling Watts and Wiggins for blobs, before Chandler castled A. Boreham round his legs to end a last wicket stand of 31 with Gibson who made an excellent 22. A score of 101 all out was never going to trouble a batting line-up which saw Pinnell, Mark Cadbury and Cocko at 9, 10 Jack preferring to chill in the deckchairs following the weekly fortunes of Crouchie who finds it far easier to score in dingy nightclubs than on the pitch for Spurs!
Ed Alexander characteristically got the innings going with a pick-up six over square leg before perishing attempting another maximum. Lunty joined debutant Guy Ritchie (no, not that one) and the pair compiled an entertaining stand of 85 to take us to the brink. Guy played almost exclusively off the back foot, but with the mother of all Newbery bats in his hand, anything that found the gaps yielded runs aplenty. Giles on the other hand, all fast hands and front foot, smacked a delicious brace of sixes into the avenue and another flat and straight up the hill.
Ritchie was caught in the deep for an excellent 35 that included 5 fours and a flicked six over mid-wicket and capped a pleasing debut. Giles was in full flow, but restrained himself to give Harry Cadbury an over or two at the crease before bringing up his half-century; fittingly, Harry hit the winning run and remained two not out much to the delight of his watching Mum, Lindsay, who can be rightly proud of her brood’s compelling performances.
No spit and no sawdust, but just a delightful gathering on the lawn where both teams mingled and giggled while guzzling foaming jugs of ale. Despite the easy win, this is the real thrill; watching the kids run amok, pestering parents for more pop and pizzas, while the players swap stories and anecdotes as a blazing sun dips behind the trees.
As ever, Babington captures the true essence of the game and it is wonderful to witness so many players from differing backgrounds and generations enjoying our very own take on country house cricket. We do remain unbeaten this year, but that really isn’t the point; seeing the progression of the Cadbury boy’s et al and the smiling faces of our very own barmy-army relaxing in the shadows of the swaying tress truly is.
The Star Inn, Bath - 101 All Out
Babington House - 102 - 2
Babington House Won by 8 Wickets
Man of the Match - Rory Cadbury 2 for 13 off 5 overs.
Champagne Moment - Giles Lunt's catch at gully off Chandler's increasingly devastating 'pies'.
The reality is that I love both places it was a personal pleasure to invite The Star to Babbers as the pub is situated directly opposite my pad. Since moving to Bath some eighteen months ago, both the staff and the regulars have afforded me the warmest of welcomes and it was only a matter of time before we met on the field of play. The Star’s cricket team is over 25 years old and they play Sunday league cricket so we expected a tough encounter.
However, Babington fielded a hardened team that mixed youth and experience with Mark Cadbury joined by his three sons that in itself was special. At one point, the whole on-side comprised only Cadbury’s and I felt a tinge of paternal pride watching the four of them dominate half of the whole field. Meanwhile, my two daughters and their friends were pre-occupied by Shirley Temples, giant-sized pizza’s and running up a ‘tab’ at the bar which is a precedent that I going to have to get used to over the coming years no doubt.
Shock horror, we lost the toss and were asked to field and opened the bowling with Jack Cadbury down the hill and Grant Chandler. Chandler struck first with a drifting leg-break that was sharply snaffled by a chattering Giles Lunt in the gulley off Tennant’s edge, before bemusing Cammann in the flight and knocking back his middle peg. Mark Cadbury held on to a mis-timed drive from Shanahan to give Mike Sherring his first wicket, before the same bowler comprehensively cleaned-up J. Boreham with a yorker.
The Star was reeling at 30 odd for four so it was the perfect opportunity to let Harry and Rory Cadbury take up the attack. Both excelled extolling the simple virtues of line and length and Rory, just twelve remember, bowled Donaldson off an under edge. Harry then ran out Steady from behind square and Rory had Steele caught at the wicket off a swinging good length ball which Ed Alexander pouched with glee.
Sherring returned and responded to his captain’s goading by bowling Watts and Wiggins for blobs, before Chandler castled A. Boreham round his legs to end a last wicket stand of 31 with Gibson who made an excellent 22. A score of 101 all out was never going to trouble a batting line-up which saw Pinnell, Mark Cadbury and Cocko at 9, 10 Jack preferring to chill in the deckchairs following the weekly fortunes of Crouchie who finds it far easier to score in dingy nightclubs than on the pitch for Spurs!
Ed Alexander characteristically got the innings going with a pick-up six over square leg before perishing attempting another maximum. Lunty joined debutant Guy Ritchie (no, not that one) and the pair compiled an entertaining stand of 85 to take us to the brink. Guy played almost exclusively off the back foot, but with the mother of all Newbery bats in his hand, anything that found the gaps yielded runs aplenty. Giles on the other hand, all fast hands and front foot, smacked a delicious brace of sixes into the avenue and another flat and straight up the hill.
Ritchie was caught in the deep for an excellent 35 that included 5 fours and a flicked six over mid-wicket and capped a pleasing debut. Giles was in full flow, but restrained himself to give Harry Cadbury an over or two at the crease before bringing up his half-century; fittingly, Harry hit the winning run and remained two not out much to the delight of his watching Mum, Lindsay, who can be rightly proud of her brood’s compelling performances.
No spit and no sawdust, but just a delightful gathering on the lawn where both teams mingled and giggled while guzzling foaming jugs of ale. Despite the easy win, this is the real thrill; watching the kids run amok, pestering parents for more pop and pizzas, while the players swap stories and anecdotes as a blazing sun dips behind the trees.
As ever, Babington captures the true essence of the game and it is wonderful to witness so many players from differing backgrounds and generations enjoying our very own take on country house cricket. We do remain unbeaten this year, but that really isn’t the point; seeing the progression of the Cadbury boy’s et al and the smiling faces of our very own barmy-army relaxing in the shadows of the swaying tress truly is.
The Star Inn, Bath - 101 All Out
Babington House - 102 - 2
Babington House Won by 8 Wickets
Man of the Match - Rory Cadbury 2 for 13 off 5 overs.
Champagne Moment - Giles Lunt's catch at gully off Chandler's increasingly devastating 'pies'.
Monday, 9 August 2010
BHCC v Catch 22 - 8th August 2010 - Match Report
Much to be cheery about after Babington maintained their unbeaten run with a comprehensive 99 run victory over a competitive Catch 22 eleven. There was something of an ‘end of season’ feel to the atmosphere even though we are only in early-August; the bean field has been shorn of its crop, the lawns were almost deserted of guests and a slight breeze whispered Autumn.
Catch 22 arrived intent on beating us as they did last year in that infamous match, but our proud record is being stoutly defended as we enter the season’s home straight. With Mark Cadbury on his best behaviour, Matthew Ellis at his most determined and Andrew Pinnell thrilled to be back on familiar territory after the previous day’s League outing with Heytesbury, we had enough alpha males on parade to add steel to a young side.
It was a joy to include Jack & Harry Cadbury, Chester Ellis, plus Ed and Lawrence Alexander in the team also bolstered by the formidable Mark Coxon-Tenty; wild cards Mike (Mr.) Midgeley and Grant Chandler completed a stellar line-up hell bent on attacking cricket.
Batting first on one of Clive’s feather-beds, we were soon into our stride; Midgeley driving with merry gusto and Cadbury at his most pugnacious. The pair added 23 before Midgeley missed a straight-one for 12 scored exclusively in boundaries. Jack (named after a certain knighted Mr. Hobbs) joined his father whose increasingly sagging man-boobs suggest he is appropriately named after a well-known chocolate brand!
Insults aside (and I can hear the repost already – something about swallowing a rugby ball I imagine!!!), the pair batted delightfully; Mark spanked a full toss through the covers with particular aplomb as Jack preferred the on-side with gentle pushes and nudges. Both beautifully correct in technique, met anything straight with the makers-name and dispatched the loose stuff with elegance. The fifty came up in the fourteenth over only for Jack to be knocked over by a sharp leggie in Wright’s first over.
Chester Ellis too showed why this new generation promise so much under their lids; unflustered and confident, Chester was calmness personified during his 26 ball innings and it was no disgrace to be caught off Clargo’s concoction of flippers and chinamen. Ed Alexander brought impetus to the innings and soon had Cadbury’s face turning the same vibrant shade of pink as his bat handle with some quick singles. Bugger this thought the old confectioner as he danced down the wicket and smacked a monstrous six high into the swaying mid-off branches; a delicious stroke that even distracted those in the deckchairs absorbed by Crouchie’s expose in the News of the Screws.
A hundred on the board at twenty overs and drinks were perhaps enough to distract Cadbury who soon lost his timbers for a classy 62. The stage was set for Cocko to add to his 200+ Babington average, but the big fella fluffed his lines skying to mid-wicket. Matt Ellis began with stubborn defence, but soon picked up the pace with some lovely swivels through mid-wicket and one boom boom drive straight over the bowlers head that actually landed on the white line. A puff of chalk was more reminiscent of Wimbledon and strangely appropriate as Mrs. Ellis had only just finished playing tennis on the adjacent courts determined to become a size 6 before the imminent family hols!
Ed Alexander fell to another skier for an exceptionally well-made 43 and brother Lawrence, making his debut, smacked a rapid 28 adding an impregnable 90 for the last wicket with a now blowing Ellis who would surely benefit from taking a leaf out of his Misses’ book. An imposing 234 for 6 was due to exceptional batting throughout and praise must be given to a persevering Catch 22 attack that never wavered and ‘stuck at it’ admirably.
The Babington tea’s this year have become something of folklore and we all gorged on another sumptuous spread on the front lawn. Cocko and Chandler tucked no doubt thinking that they would not have to bowl, but Pinnell had other ideas. Both tipping the scales at 16 stone plus, the two heavyweights bowled their contrasting styles up the hill and it was not long before the hole on the popping crease resembled a mine shaft! At the Wigzell-end, things were somewhat more serene as Chester bowled five impressive overs dismissing both openers to catches from Cocko and Dad respectively.
Grant Chandler, who has not bowled properly for a decade until the last few weeks, is getting the hang of it again and his miasma of leg-breaks, offies' and seamers beguiled all the batsmen. Eight excellent overs tempted and teased much like the teenage escort that snared poor Crouchie no doubt, and Alexander gave him his prize with a sharp stumping to get rid of Parker. Jack Cadbury has the most classic of actions with a cocked wrist and dead-straight run-up; his high action adds real pace and bounce to his armoury and one can see a genuine quickie in the making. Six overs for 24 was a splendid effort and it was a superb to stand at slip and watch the ball cut this way and that off the seam.
Quentin Ready, a thoroughbred bat, was entrenched at the crease and hitting the ball hard into the ‘V’ while finding stubborn support from Clargo and Lee Dredge. We kept attacking and Cocko’s first few overs carried real pace and menace resulting in a stunning catch by Matt Ellis nimbly judging a powerful blow from Dredge. As the impact of the scones took hold and Cocko’s pace slowed dramatically, his accuracy improved and he cleaned up the middle-order leaving Reidy cruelly exposed. With Cocko on his last legs, he bagged a deserved ‘five-for’ with the last ball of an entertaining seven over stint that nearly killed him.
It was just left to the returning Jack Cadbury to catch Reidy off his own bowling for a valiant 64 and his old man to bowl MacDonald to wrap up the visitors innings for 135. The winning margin does not do justice to Catch 22 who provided great opposition and it was perhaps the fielding that made the real difference; the youngsters run around like terriers and we have barely dropped a catch all season.
It was a splendid performance built on an enviable spirit that continues to propel the club forward no matter who is in the actual team.
A special mention to Lawrence Alexander for a great debut, to Nicola Player for the neatest of scorebooks and to Vince Parker for getting the opposition team together.
As for the Champagne moment, not really much to do with cricket, but more to do with life. Mike Midgeley, fielding at gully made a great tumbling stop only for Mark Cadbury to comment, “small earthquake at Babington”. Of course we chuckled, but Mr. Midgeley said nothing preferring to wait his moment. Sure enough, in the dying overs, Cadbury dived to the ground at mid-on to field a certain four and Mike, with impeccable timing quipped, “tsunami in Australia”. Perhaps a touch lost in translation, but Mr. Midgeley deserves a magnum for both his wit and his timing. The moral is.... He who laughs last...
Babington House - 234 for 6.
Catch 22 - 135 All Out
Babington House Won by 99 Runs.
Man of the Match - Matt Ellis for 43no, two great catches and an attitude to die for.
Champagne Moment - Mike Midgeley's razor-edged repost to Mr. Cadbury!!!
Catch 22 arrived intent on beating us as they did last year in that infamous match, but our proud record is being stoutly defended as we enter the season’s home straight. With Mark Cadbury on his best behaviour, Matthew Ellis at his most determined and Andrew Pinnell thrilled to be back on familiar territory after the previous day’s League outing with Heytesbury, we had enough alpha males on parade to add steel to a young side.
It was a joy to include Jack & Harry Cadbury, Chester Ellis, plus Ed and Lawrence Alexander in the team also bolstered by the formidable Mark Coxon-Tenty; wild cards Mike (Mr.) Midgeley and Grant Chandler completed a stellar line-up hell bent on attacking cricket.
Batting first on one of Clive’s feather-beds, we were soon into our stride; Midgeley driving with merry gusto and Cadbury at his most pugnacious. The pair added 23 before Midgeley missed a straight-one for 12 scored exclusively in boundaries. Jack (named after a certain knighted Mr. Hobbs) joined his father whose increasingly sagging man-boobs suggest he is appropriately named after a well-known chocolate brand!
Insults aside (and I can hear the repost already – something about swallowing a rugby ball I imagine!!!), the pair batted delightfully; Mark spanked a full toss through the covers with particular aplomb as Jack preferred the on-side with gentle pushes and nudges. Both beautifully correct in technique, met anything straight with the makers-name and dispatched the loose stuff with elegance. The fifty came up in the fourteenth over only for Jack to be knocked over by a sharp leggie in Wright’s first over.
Chester Ellis too showed why this new generation promise so much under their lids; unflustered and confident, Chester was calmness personified during his 26 ball innings and it was no disgrace to be caught off Clargo’s concoction of flippers and chinamen. Ed Alexander brought impetus to the innings and soon had Cadbury’s face turning the same vibrant shade of pink as his bat handle with some quick singles. Bugger this thought the old confectioner as he danced down the wicket and smacked a monstrous six high into the swaying mid-off branches; a delicious stroke that even distracted those in the deckchairs absorbed by Crouchie’s expose in the News of the Screws.
A hundred on the board at twenty overs and drinks were perhaps enough to distract Cadbury who soon lost his timbers for a classy 62. The stage was set for Cocko to add to his 200+ Babington average, but the big fella fluffed his lines skying to mid-wicket. Matt Ellis began with stubborn defence, but soon picked up the pace with some lovely swivels through mid-wicket and one boom boom drive straight over the bowlers head that actually landed on the white line. A puff of chalk was more reminiscent of Wimbledon and strangely appropriate as Mrs. Ellis had only just finished playing tennis on the adjacent courts determined to become a size 6 before the imminent family hols!
Ed Alexander fell to another skier for an exceptionally well-made 43 and brother Lawrence, making his debut, smacked a rapid 28 adding an impregnable 90 for the last wicket with a now blowing Ellis who would surely benefit from taking a leaf out of his Misses’ book. An imposing 234 for 6 was due to exceptional batting throughout and praise must be given to a persevering Catch 22 attack that never wavered and ‘stuck at it’ admirably.
The Babington tea’s this year have become something of folklore and we all gorged on another sumptuous spread on the front lawn. Cocko and Chandler tucked no doubt thinking that they would not have to bowl, but Pinnell had other ideas. Both tipping the scales at 16 stone plus, the two heavyweights bowled their contrasting styles up the hill and it was not long before the hole on the popping crease resembled a mine shaft! At the Wigzell-end, things were somewhat more serene as Chester bowled five impressive overs dismissing both openers to catches from Cocko and Dad respectively.
Grant Chandler, who has not bowled properly for a decade until the last few weeks, is getting the hang of it again and his miasma of leg-breaks, offies' and seamers beguiled all the batsmen. Eight excellent overs tempted and teased much like the teenage escort that snared poor Crouchie no doubt, and Alexander gave him his prize with a sharp stumping to get rid of Parker. Jack Cadbury has the most classic of actions with a cocked wrist and dead-straight run-up; his high action adds real pace and bounce to his armoury and one can see a genuine quickie in the making. Six overs for 24 was a splendid effort and it was a superb to stand at slip and watch the ball cut this way and that off the seam.
Quentin Ready, a thoroughbred bat, was entrenched at the crease and hitting the ball hard into the ‘V’ while finding stubborn support from Clargo and Lee Dredge. We kept attacking and Cocko’s first few overs carried real pace and menace resulting in a stunning catch by Matt Ellis nimbly judging a powerful blow from Dredge. As the impact of the scones took hold and Cocko’s pace slowed dramatically, his accuracy improved and he cleaned up the middle-order leaving Reidy cruelly exposed. With Cocko on his last legs, he bagged a deserved ‘five-for’ with the last ball of an entertaining seven over stint that nearly killed him.
It was just left to the returning Jack Cadbury to catch Reidy off his own bowling for a valiant 64 and his old man to bowl MacDonald to wrap up the visitors innings for 135. The winning margin does not do justice to Catch 22 who provided great opposition and it was perhaps the fielding that made the real difference; the youngsters run around like terriers and we have barely dropped a catch all season.
It was a splendid performance built on an enviable spirit that continues to propel the club forward no matter who is in the actual team.
A special mention to Lawrence Alexander for a great debut, to Nicola Player for the neatest of scorebooks and to Vince Parker for getting the opposition team together.
As for the Champagne moment, not really much to do with cricket, but more to do with life. Mike Midgeley, fielding at gully made a great tumbling stop only for Mark Cadbury to comment, “small earthquake at Babington”. Of course we chuckled, but Mr. Midgeley said nothing preferring to wait his moment. Sure enough, in the dying overs, Cadbury dived to the ground at mid-on to field a certain four and Mike, with impeccable timing quipped, “tsunami in Australia”. Perhaps a touch lost in translation, but Mr. Midgeley deserves a magnum for both his wit and his timing. The moral is.... He who laughs last...
Babington House - 234 for 6.
Catch 22 - 135 All Out
Babington House Won by 99 Runs.
Man of the Match - Matt Ellis for 43no, two great catches and an attitude to die for.
Champagne Moment - Mike Midgeley's razor-edged repost to Mr. Cadbury!!!
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
BHCC v Frome Incidentals - 18th July 2010 - Match Report
Despite fielding only nine players, Babington’s unbeaten record was preserved after a 104 run victory over the utterly charming Frome Incidentals. Sublime later order knocks from Chris Player (74) and Mark Coxon-Tenty (66no) rescued the innings from a somewhat rocky start. 37 from Jonathon Boulton and 31 from Julian Matthews gave us a reasonable foundation, but at one stage we were 90 for 5 which was - in reality – 90 for 7.
On a blissful sunny day that contradicted all the forecasts, we were thrilled to win the toss not least because we were two men short. Grant Chandler donned the pads for the first time in five years and strode to a somewhat ‘sticky’ wicket with JB who was clearly intent on christening his new, unblemished Newbery with a big score. Chandler scratched around like an old mother hen until finally edging a drive to Andy Stonall who took the catch of his life at slip – diving one handed to his right to pouch a screamer; Chandler’s dry wit mused that he “was just starting to enjoy it out there” upon returning to the coop.
Julian Mathews joined JB and the two stalwarts looked strikingly similar from the boundary; both with Newbury blades, resplendent in Babbers baggy green caps and each struggling to truly ‘time’ the ball. Boulton, following an aesthetically displeasing slog through cow corner, finally connected to strike a pair of sixes to leg quickly followed by a mighty pull, all off the persevering Hugh Lucas. But the bowler was to have his man when Boulton fenced horizontally at a delivery that bounced a touch more than the others and feathered to the keeper; gent that he is, Boulton didn’t wait for the umpire’s finger and walked off in classic fashion with the now tainted Newbury under his arm.
Simon Potter made his 2010 debut and struck a delightful on-drive before holing out for 5 and, on the cusp of drinks, poor James Mackenzie was comprehensively bowled for a duck – both by Parker. Fearing the worst, even Pinnell put his pads on, but Chris Player has been aching for a chance to bat all season and he took his opportunity with both hands. Standing tall and with the most uncomplicated of techniques, Chris simply drove straight through the line at anything pitched up and smashed the ball through the ‘V’.
The loss of Matthews to a indiscriminate slog across the line which would shame all but the most rustic of batsmen, failed to stop Player’s momentum and he even outscored Cocko who was content to nudge and nurdle singles and two’s. Chris reached his maiden fifty for the club to great cheers from the cheap seats before concluding his innings with a myriad of fours and sixes. He made 74 before being stumped by the aptly named Newberry leaving Cocko free to open his considerable shoulders. Another half century took us past 200 and Pinnell took off his pads and let debutant Joel Woodard and Cocko add a further 40 odd in the closing overs.
We took tea with an imposing 242 for 6 on the board and what a tea it was; Babington served up a merry feast of doorstep sandwiches, juicy cakes, shortbread and watermelon all eagerly scoffed by the grateful hordes. Despite James Mackenzie’s best attempts to spill all the tea and coffee, guests and players alike mingled over what are unquestionably the finest cricket teas in the land. Even the ever-critical and absent Mark Cadbury might have been satisfied.
Somewhat heavy of tread, Babington took to the field in confident mood and when Chris Player cleaned-up Stonall first over, it was clear we had the upper hand. Player was banished to the boundary and we bowled 32 overs of what can be loosely described as very slow medium or spin. Boulton’s high-arm off breaks combined with Matthews leggies ensured a steady stream of boundaries and the wicket of Parker, caught by a juggling Mackenzie who had more luck holding on to the ball than he had with the tea pot.
Just to prove it was no fluke, he safely caught Abrahams at deep cover giving Chandler a deserved wicket for eight overs of non-turning leg breaks. Joel Woodard was the destroyer though and he picked up four wickets for next to nothing from the Wigzell-end with a dolly mixture of seamers and full-bungers.
The fielding was impressive throughout and despite some lusty onside blows from Huxtable (44), plus some genuinely funny banter with Pinnell, Babington were in total control. James MacKenzie wrapped things up courtesy of a couple of sharp catches by his Captain at short-mid on (or deep short-leg depending on your point of view) and the Incidentals were dismissed for 138 inside the 33rd over.
A splendid win but more importantly, a wonderful day; The Incidentals were delightful company throughout and we all traded stories and flagons of ale under the shadows of the pine tree long into the evening. Players of all ages and abilities mingle as equals once the stumps have been drawn and this remains one of the glistening gems of our club. Provided everyone has been given a chance and enjoyed their tea, a few hours mulling over past glorious on the Babington lawn is the perfect end to an English summer’s Sunday....
Babington House - 242 for 5 Wickets
Frome Incidentals - 138 All Out
Babington House Won by 104 runs
Man of the Match - Chris Player for a great knock of 74
Champagne Moment - Andy Stonall's gravity-defying slip catch to dismiss Chandler
On a blissful sunny day that contradicted all the forecasts, we were thrilled to win the toss not least because we were two men short. Grant Chandler donned the pads for the first time in five years and strode to a somewhat ‘sticky’ wicket with JB who was clearly intent on christening his new, unblemished Newbery with a big score. Chandler scratched around like an old mother hen until finally edging a drive to Andy Stonall who took the catch of his life at slip – diving one handed to his right to pouch a screamer; Chandler’s dry wit mused that he “was just starting to enjoy it out there” upon returning to the coop.
Julian Mathews joined JB and the two stalwarts looked strikingly similar from the boundary; both with Newbury blades, resplendent in Babbers baggy green caps and each struggling to truly ‘time’ the ball. Boulton, following an aesthetically displeasing slog through cow corner, finally connected to strike a pair of sixes to leg quickly followed by a mighty pull, all off the persevering Hugh Lucas. But the bowler was to have his man when Boulton fenced horizontally at a delivery that bounced a touch more than the others and feathered to the keeper; gent that he is, Boulton didn’t wait for the umpire’s finger and walked off in classic fashion with the now tainted Newbury under his arm.
Simon Potter made his 2010 debut and struck a delightful on-drive before holing out for 5 and, on the cusp of drinks, poor James Mackenzie was comprehensively bowled for a duck – both by Parker. Fearing the worst, even Pinnell put his pads on, but Chris Player has been aching for a chance to bat all season and he took his opportunity with both hands. Standing tall and with the most uncomplicated of techniques, Chris simply drove straight through the line at anything pitched up and smashed the ball through the ‘V’.
The loss of Matthews to a indiscriminate slog across the line which would shame all but the most rustic of batsmen, failed to stop Player’s momentum and he even outscored Cocko who was content to nudge and nurdle singles and two’s. Chris reached his maiden fifty for the club to great cheers from the cheap seats before concluding his innings with a myriad of fours and sixes. He made 74 before being stumped by the aptly named Newberry leaving Cocko free to open his considerable shoulders. Another half century took us past 200 and Pinnell took off his pads and let debutant Joel Woodard and Cocko add a further 40 odd in the closing overs.
We took tea with an imposing 242 for 6 on the board and what a tea it was; Babington served up a merry feast of doorstep sandwiches, juicy cakes, shortbread and watermelon all eagerly scoffed by the grateful hordes. Despite James Mackenzie’s best attempts to spill all the tea and coffee, guests and players alike mingled over what are unquestionably the finest cricket teas in the land. Even the ever-critical and absent Mark Cadbury might have been satisfied.
Somewhat heavy of tread, Babington took to the field in confident mood and when Chris Player cleaned-up Stonall first over, it was clear we had the upper hand. Player was banished to the boundary and we bowled 32 overs of what can be loosely described as very slow medium or spin. Boulton’s high-arm off breaks combined with Matthews leggies ensured a steady stream of boundaries and the wicket of Parker, caught by a juggling Mackenzie who had more luck holding on to the ball than he had with the tea pot.
Just to prove it was no fluke, he safely caught Abrahams at deep cover giving Chandler a deserved wicket for eight overs of non-turning leg breaks. Joel Woodard was the destroyer though and he picked up four wickets for next to nothing from the Wigzell-end with a dolly mixture of seamers and full-bungers.
The fielding was impressive throughout and despite some lusty onside blows from Huxtable (44), plus some genuinely funny banter with Pinnell, Babington were in total control. James MacKenzie wrapped things up courtesy of a couple of sharp catches by his Captain at short-mid on (or deep short-leg depending on your point of view) and the Incidentals were dismissed for 138 inside the 33rd over.
A splendid win but more importantly, a wonderful day; The Incidentals were delightful company throughout and we all traded stories and flagons of ale under the shadows of the pine tree long into the evening. Players of all ages and abilities mingle as equals once the stumps have been drawn and this remains one of the glistening gems of our club. Provided everyone has been given a chance and enjoyed their tea, a few hours mulling over past glorious on the Babington lawn is the perfect end to an English summer’s Sunday....
Babington House - 242 for 5 Wickets
Frome Incidentals - 138 All Out
Babington House Won by 104 runs
Man of the Match - Chris Player for a great knock of 74
Champagne Moment - Andy Stonall's gravity-defying slip catch to dismiss Chandler
Monday, 5 July 2010
BHCC v Free Foresters - 4th July 2010 - Match Report
Our three previous matches against the Free Foresters have been both keenly fought and immaculately conducted social affairs and this season’s fixture was no different. The provenance and traditions of the Free Foresters, formed in 1856 no less, demand that we field a side capable of challenging their vast strength in depth and we invited three guests to make up the numbers as virtually half our club membership were unavailable; Mark Coxon-Tenty (Warminster & Wiltshire), Andy Trollope (Sutton Veny) and Grant Chandler (Heytesbury) all made their debuts.
A blustery mid-morning kept the clouds at bay as George Bretten, as ever resplendent in Foresters blazer, and I ambled out to a mottled wicket for the most important toss of the season. The nightmare prospect of fielding after lunch dictates that whoever calls correctly will choose to bat and as the coin came down tails I actually felt sorry for George as I condemned his delightful team to three hours plus in the field!
Mark Coxon-Tenty, (Cocko) and Mark Meadows opened up and with their contrasting styles rattled up a record stand of 235 no less. Cocko was sublime in scoring 185 of the purest runs you are ever likely to see at club level and had us all purring with a repertoire of shot and God-given timing that oozed pure class. Scoring predominantly through the ‘V’, Cocko’s rapier-like drives peppered the boundary from cover to mid-off, whilst anything shot was absolutely ‘creamed’ through mid-wicket. Playing exclusively off the front foot, even his forward defensive shots were text-book and he slowly broke the collective hearts of Sweatman and Davies who both bowled with gusto despite the onslaught.
As the field retreated ever further, Cocko retorted with a barrage of straight sixes that at least slowed the over rate as players rummaged in the bean field. Rising to my offer of £50 to anyone that scored a ton before lunch, Cocko accelerated like a runaway freight train and duly brought up his century after little more than 75 minutes at the crease. The rich applause from the Foresters fielders perhaps gave the strongest indication that we had all just witnessed something wonderful and Babington lunched at 143 for 0 after just 23 overs.
Lunch was a joy. Taken in the Log Room we started with an anti-pasti board that frankly, would have been sufficient, but the main course of cold meats and assorted beans with creamed potatoes was absolutely delicious. If this were not enough, a mountainous desert of Eton mess almost certainly finished off the Foresters who had the prospect of another long stint in the field to look forward too.
With Cocko on a mission and Meadows preserving his wicket as if his life depended on it, Bretten turned to the spin off Jaques and de Winton to try and stem the flow, but both disappeared in an absolute blur of fury from Cocko’s blade. The next ten overs went for almost a hundred runs as Cocko ran amok quickly passing 150. The Foresters, surprisingly, lost heart and seemed resigned to their fate as we screamed past 200 in the thirtieth over.
Cocko was finally stumped for 185, but let’s be honest about it, gave his wicket away when at least a double century was there for the taking. Meadows nurdled his way to fifty-odd and Nick Sinfield flicked one delightful six off his pads before holing out for 18. Jonathon Boulton at least got to the wicket, but I declared on 284 for two in an attempt to keep the game open offering the Foresters a minimum of 50 overs to get the runs.
Chris Player bowled an exemplary spell down the hill and soon had Johnson bowled off an inside edge which was due reward for his disciplined line and length. Lord Jolliffe floated up his usual dolly mixtures and after Richard Moffatt smacked him for a consecutive six and four, bowled him with a long hop that just about had the momentum to reach the stumps; Moff, disgusted, trudged off scratching his head.
Boulton’s floaters kept the game alive, but he quickly succeeded in dismissing Sweatman who mis-timed a half-tracker straight into Cocko’s buckets at mid-wicket. De Winton batted powerfully for a half century and formed a solid partnership with Simpson which took the Foresters past the 100 mark. Andy Trollope (Trolly) had taken over from at the Jolliffe-end and his skiddy medium-pacers kept the scoreboard in check; bowling with nagging accuracy and low trajectory, Trolly is always a handful even if his action is unworthy of the Dennis Lillee comparison of which he later boasted after a few pints of ale! His debut wicket was that of Simpson elegantly pouched by Jolliffe at mid-off for a hard grafted 52.
Mann made a workmanlike 30 before finally succumbing to another of Boulton’s ‘lollipops’ pulling straight to Harry Cadbury who, for the all the world looked as he had not even seen the ball hurtling towards his young head, proceeded to stick out his right hand to take the most nonchalant of catches. For one terrible moment, the world stood still and I had visions of Harry’s face being obliterated by red leather, but his reactions proved true and the nightmare vision of explaining all to his mother did not materialise!
Boulton picked up a third wicket bowling Jaques for ten before catching de Winton off Trolly and pivotal phase of the match arrived as Bretten came to the crease. With eight an over required the game remained in the balance particularly when one remembered Bretten’s century against us a few years back. Despite Mark Cadbury’s best endeavours, I needn’t have worried especially when Player knocked over Bretten during a masterful over of line and length.
The game was ours for the taking, but the fine rain soon turned into a downpour and common sense demanded that the game was aborted. We needed just one more wicket for victory although an honourable (winning) draw was perhaps a fitting result.
The game will be forever remembered for Cocko’s blistering knock, but there were other highlights too; Harry’s catch, Boulton’s relentless piss-taking of his captain, Ellis’ swallow-like fielding, Chandler’s solitary over which defies description, Babington’s five star hospitality and the lovely company of the Foresters throughout. It was a thrill to invite our three guests with whom I have played for and against over many years and their very presence meant a great deal to me personally.
A shame that the weather intervened, but a smashing day none the less where the very essence of cricket itself was the ultimate victor....
Babington House CC - 274 for 2 declared.
Free Foresters - 209 for 8.
Match Drawn.
Man of the Match - Mark Coxon-Tenty - 185.
Champagne Moment - Harry Cadbury's instinctive 'face-saving' catch.
A blustery mid-morning kept the clouds at bay as George Bretten, as ever resplendent in Foresters blazer, and I ambled out to a mottled wicket for the most important toss of the season. The nightmare prospect of fielding after lunch dictates that whoever calls correctly will choose to bat and as the coin came down tails I actually felt sorry for George as I condemned his delightful team to three hours plus in the field!
Mark Coxon-Tenty, (Cocko) and Mark Meadows opened up and with their contrasting styles rattled up a record stand of 235 no less. Cocko was sublime in scoring 185 of the purest runs you are ever likely to see at club level and had us all purring with a repertoire of shot and God-given timing that oozed pure class. Scoring predominantly through the ‘V’, Cocko’s rapier-like drives peppered the boundary from cover to mid-off, whilst anything shot was absolutely ‘creamed’ through mid-wicket. Playing exclusively off the front foot, even his forward defensive shots were text-book and he slowly broke the collective hearts of Sweatman and Davies who both bowled with gusto despite the onslaught.
As the field retreated ever further, Cocko retorted with a barrage of straight sixes that at least slowed the over rate as players rummaged in the bean field. Rising to my offer of £50 to anyone that scored a ton before lunch, Cocko accelerated like a runaway freight train and duly brought up his century after little more than 75 minutes at the crease. The rich applause from the Foresters fielders perhaps gave the strongest indication that we had all just witnessed something wonderful and Babington lunched at 143 for 0 after just 23 overs.
Lunch was a joy. Taken in the Log Room we started with an anti-pasti board that frankly, would have been sufficient, but the main course of cold meats and assorted beans with creamed potatoes was absolutely delicious. If this were not enough, a mountainous desert of Eton mess almost certainly finished off the Foresters who had the prospect of another long stint in the field to look forward too.
With Cocko on a mission and Meadows preserving his wicket as if his life depended on it, Bretten turned to the spin off Jaques and de Winton to try and stem the flow, but both disappeared in an absolute blur of fury from Cocko’s blade. The next ten overs went for almost a hundred runs as Cocko ran amok quickly passing 150. The Foresters, surprisingly, lost heart and seemed resigned to their fate as we screamed past 200 in the thirtieth over.
Cocko was finally stumped for 185, but let’s be honest about it, gave his wicket away when at least a double century was there for the taking. Meadows nurdled his way to fifty-odd and Nick Sinfield flicked one delightful six off his pads before holing out for 18. Jonathon Boulton at least got to the wicket, but I declared on 284 for two in an attempt to keep the game open offering the Foresters a minimum of 50 overs to get the runs.
Chris Player bowled an exemplary spell down the hill and soon had Johnson bowled off an inside edge which was due reward for his disciplined line and length. Lord Jolliffe floated up his usual dolly mixtures and after Richard Moffatt smacked him for a consecutive six and four, bowled him with a long hop that just about had the momentum to reach the stumps; Moff, disgusted, trudged off scratching his head.
Boulton’s floaters kept the game alive, but he quickly succeeded in dismissing Sweatman who mis-timed a half-tracker straight into Cocko’s buckets at mid-wicket. De Winton batted powerfully for a half century and formed a solid partnership with Simpson which took the Foresters past the 100 mark. Andy Trollope (Trolly) had taken over from at the Jolliffe-end and his skiddy medium-pacers kept the scoreboard in check; bowling with nagging accuracy and low trajectory, Trolly is always a handful even if his action is unworthy of the Dennis Lillee comparison of which he later boasted after a few pints of ale! His debut wicket was that of Simpson elegantly pouched by Jolliffe at mid-off for a hard grafted 52.
Mann made a workmanlike 30 before finally succumbing to another of Boulton’s ‘lollipops’ pulling straight to Harry Cadbury who, for the all the world looked as he had not even seen the ball hurtling towards his young head, proceeded to stick out his right hand to take the most nonchalant of catches. For one terrible moment, the world stood still and I had visions of Harry’s face being obliterated by red leather, but his reactions proved true and the nightmare vision of explaining all to his mother did not materialise!
Boulton picked up a third wicket bowling Jaques for ten before catching de Winton off Trolly and pivotal phase of the match arrived as Bretten came to the crease. With eight an over required the game remained in the balance particularly when one remembered Bretten’s century against us a few years back. Despite Mark Cadbury’s best endeavours, I needn’t have worried especially when Player knocked over Bretten during a masterful over of line and length.
The game was ours for the taking, but the fine rain soon turned into a downpour and common sense demanded that the game was aborted. We needed just one more wicket for victory although an honourable (winning) draw was perhaps a fitting result.
The game will be forever remembered for Cocko’s blistering knock, but there were other highlights too; Harry’s catch, Boulton’s relentless piss-taking of his captain, Ellis’ swallow-like fielding, Chandler’s solitary over which defies description, Babington’s five star hospitality and the lovely company of the Foresters throughout. It was a thrill to invite our three guests with whom I have played for and against over many years and their very presence meant a great deal to me personally.
A shame that the weather intervened, but a smashing day none the less where the very essence of cricket itself was the ultimate victor....
Babington House CC - 274 for 2 declared.
Free Foresters - 209 for 8.
Match Drawn.
Man of the Match - Mark Coxon-Tenty - 185.
Champagne Moment - Harry Cadbury's instinctive 'face-saving' catch.
Monday, 28 June 2010
BHCC v The Wild Oats - 27th June 2010 - Match Report
Babington’s ‘Hollywood Summer’ continued with a thumping Twenty20 victory over The Wild Oats on a day of quintessential Englishness; of course we lost the footie to Germany and the hopes of a nation were crushed during ninety minutes of abject failure, but beyond that the vibrant colours of Glastonbury lit-up the West Country already basking in the most joyous of summer days and Babington was quite simply at its picture-postcard best.
We started early, still full of wide-eyed optimism, convinced the three lions would roar and I even had New Order’s ‘World in Motion’ blaring out of the Beamer on my way through the leafy lanes of Somerset. In the back seats with the roof down, my daughters and their friends were quite naturally horrified!!! Oh Christ – I really am an eighties-Dad after all!!!
Cruising down the Babington drive with the girls on their feet, it was apparent that this was going to be one of those very special days that cricketers the world over dream of; Matt Ellis was fiddling with the deckchairs still on a high from Muse’s admittedly spectacular set the previous evening, excited kids ran around in football tops and the Babington lawns were packed with roasting guests sipping Pimms and reading the papers.
What more could we ask for?
Well to win the toss for one, but Lizzie’s feeble flick of the coin came down tales and after a nudge in the right direction, The Wild Oats captain, Richard Buxton, bravely invited us to bat. Result. Julian Matthews and Stephen Priscott, both in prime form, donned the pads and got us off to a flyer even against some accurate bowling from Gouriet and Griffiths. After three whacked fours, Priscott holed out to cover and the already imperious Matthews was joined by the ever-elegant Johnny Barran who proceeded to demonstrate the coaching manual as if written by Sir Jack Hobbs himself; elbow to the angels, helmeted head immaculately still and the ball barely leaving Clive’s manicured carpet. It was something of a surprise when he too was caught swishing for one of the most stylish ten’s you will ever see!
No matter at the other end, an innings of breathtaking brilliance was unfolding. Julian Matthews is a fearless batsman who lives and dies by his Gray Nichols blade and it was as if the Gods were on his side. His savage driving sent the ball sailing deep into the bean field whilst one murderous pull landed over 20 yards into the tennis court. His knock though was not just about raw power and an exquisite cut through point demonstrated his exceptional technique; a quickish ball got big on him just outside off-stump only for Jules to rock back on his twinkling toes before sending the ball rasping to the boundary. It truly was the shot of the day and one that even had Mr. Barran purring with appreciation.
Julian cruised past fifty in a flurry of sixes whilst Andrew Standen-MacDougal thrashed hard at the other end. The tins were rattling along at ten an over before Andrew was caught for 13. Without a run to my name this season, it was a relief to get off the mark and despite playing cat and mouse with the fielders, I scratched a piss-poor 30 odd and watched green-eyed as Julian reached a deserved and memorable century. He hit seven sixes and eight fours in one of the best innings ever played on our beautiful ground and the applause he received from all and sundry following his retirement was heartfelt. Congratulations Julian, it was a pleasure to watch and thrilling that your sons were present too.....
With 182 on the board, we were never going to lose especially as we had one of the strongest bowling attacks I can ever remember. Ben Tollworthy’s four overs were superb and he beat the bat on umpteen occasions before finding an edge that sailed through a non-existence first for four. Lord Jolliffe, revelling in the early start, put it (largely) on the spot as usual, but as often is the case, it was rank half-tracker that saw the end of the dangerous looking Hunt for a quickfire 20.
Barran replaced the inexplicably wicketless Tollworthy and sent down two miserly overs of cutters, and swingers to be rewarded by the scalp of someone who is named in the scorebook as Eke! At the other end, Andrew Standen Mac. bowled with similar variety and rolled back the years with a brace including M. Buxton for a solid 28, whilst the ever smooth James MacKenzie castled Richard Buxton with a beauty.
We were fielding superbly and the chitter-chatter was genuinely amusing as Mark Cadbury in particular became ever more vocal. However, the champagne moments of the day were provided by Rory Cadbury, just twelve and with a cherubic smile that will be his Amex credit card throughout his future life, he bowled three exceptional over’s down the hill against batsman all intent on smashing him to oblivion. The sheer joy of watching Rory run to the wicket with his starlight smile etched on his young face touched us all and it was wonderful when he found E. Buxton’s feathered edge gleefully snaffled by Matt Ellis. He then knocked over Griffiths and finished with figures of 2 for 9 from his spell reminding us all of the bygone thrill of playing cricket as innocent boys.
Not to be overshadowed by his son, Mark took the ball for the last over and promptly yorked a bemused Adrian Leng with a searing deliver that would have troubled most. Normal service was quickly resumed and he was clattered for a couple of fours enabling The Wild Oats to limp past the hundred much to the disgust of the uber-competitive Ellis behind the timbers. The finished on 110 and Babington can be pleased with a thrilling performance of attacking cricket typified by an inspiring display in the field; Matthews bagged a couple of skiers and Priscott nonchalantly held on to a hard, flat skimmer on the boundary.
It really was ‘our day’ and, as we wandered over to the House, it was a delight to take our tea alongside jugs of foaming ale with the spoils already in the bag. Anticipation in the bar was palpable as our boys kicked off in South Africa, but it was not long before most of us retired to the hazy sanctuary of the lawns preferring to bask in the sun than have our souls sunk in the bar.
With the kids running hither and thither sipping Shirley Temples, the WAGs providing a dash of glamour and the bar tab rising, we all shared a truly lovely few hours hanging out under the watchful eye of the most majestic of houses telling our stories and puffing fags.
I’ve said it before, but really, guys it does not get any better than this.....
Thanks to one and all for a perfect English summer’s day......
Oh, except for the bloody football..... Tossers!
We started early, still full of wide-eyed optimism, convinced the three lions would roar and I even had New Order’s ‘World in Motion’ blaring out of the Beamer on my way through the leafy lanes of Somerset. In the back seats with the roof down, my daughters and their friends were quite naturally horrified!!! Oh Christ – I really am an eighties-Dad after all!!!
Cruising down the Babington drive with the girls on their feet, it was apparent that this was going to be one of those very special days that cricketers the world over dream of; Matt Ellis was fiddling with the deckchairs still on a high from Muse’s admittedly spectacular set the previous evening, excited kids ran around in football tops and the Babington lawns were packed with roasting guests sipping Pimms and reading the papers.
What more could we ask for?
Well to win the toss for one, but Lizzie’s feeble flick of the coin came down tales and after a nudge in the right direction, The Wild Oats captain, Richard Buxton, bravely invited us to bat. Result. Julian Matthews and Stephen Priscott, both in prime form, donned the pads and got us off to a flyer even against some accurate bowling from Gouriet and Griffiths. After three whacked fours, Priscott holed out to cover and the already imperious Matthews was joined by the ever-elegant Johnny Barran who proceeded to demonstrate the coaching manual as if written by Sir Jack Hobbs himself; elbow to the angels, helmeted head immaculately still and the ball barely leaving Clive’s manicured carpet. It was something of a surprise when he too was caught swishing for one of the most stylish ten’s you will ever see!
No matter at the other end, an innings of breathtaking brilliance was unfolding. Julian Matthews is a fearless batsman who lives and dies by his Gray Nichols blade and it was as if the Gods were on his side. His savage driving sent the ball sailing deep into the bean field whilst one murderous pull landed over 20 yards into the tennis court. His knock though was not just about raw power and an exquisite cut through point demonstrated his exceptional technique; a quickish ball got big on him just outside off-stump only for Jules to rock back on his twinkling toes before sending the ball rasping to the boundary. It truly was the shot of the day and one that even had Mr. Barran purring with appreciation.
Julian cruised past fifty in a flurry of sixes whilst Andrew Standen-MacDougal thrashed hard at the other end. The tins were rattling along at ten an over before Andrew was caught for 13. Without a run to my name this season, it was a relief to get off the mark and despite playing cat and mouse with the fielders, I scratched a piss-poor 30 odd and watched green-eyed as Julian reached a deserved and memorable century. He hit seven sixes and eight fours in one of the best innings ever played on our beautiful ground and the applause he received from all and sundry following his retirement was heartfelt. Congratulations Julian, it was a pleasure to watch and thrilling that your sons were present too.....
With 182 on the board, we were never going to lose especially as we had one of the strongest bowling attacks I can ever remember. Ben Tollworthy’s four overs were superb and he beat the bat on umpteen occasions before finding an edge that sailed through a non-existence first for four. Lord Jolliffe, revelling in the early start, put it (largely) on the spot as usual, but as often is the case, it was rank half-tracker that saw the end of the dangerous looking Hunt for a quickfire 20.
Barran replaced the inexplicably wicketless Tollworthy and sent down two miserly overs of cutters, and swingers to be rewarded by the scalp of someone who is named in the scorebook as Eke! At the other end, Andrew Standen Mac. bowled with similar variety and rolled back the years with a brace including M. Buxton for a solid 28, whilst the ever smooth James MacKenzie castled Richard Buxton with a beauty.
We were fielding superbly and the chitter-chatter was genuinely amusing as Mark Cadbury in particular became ever more vocal. However, the champagne moments of the day were provided by Rory Cadbury, just twelve and with a cherubic smile that will be his Amex credit card throughout his future life, he bowled three exceptional over’s down the hill against batsman all intent on smashing him to oblivion. The sheer joy of watching Rory run to the wicket with his starlight smile etched on his young face touched us all and it was wonderful when he found E. Buxton’s feathered edge gleefully snaffled by Matt Ellis. He then knocked over Griffiths and finished with figures of 2 for 9 from his spell reminding us all of the bygone thrill of playing cricket as innocent boys.
Not to be overshadowed by his son, Mark took the ball for the last over and promptly yorked a bemused Adrian Leng with a searing deliver that would have troubled most. Normal service was quickly resumed and he was clattered for a couple of fours enabling The Wild Oats to limp past the hundred much to the disgust of the uber-competitive Ellis behind the timbers. The finished on 110 and Babington can be pleased with a thrilling performance of attacking cricket typified by an inspiring display in the field; Matthews bagged a couple of skiers and Priscott nonchalantly held on to a hard, flat skimmer on the boundary.
It really was ‘our day’ and, as we wandered over to the House, it was a delight to take our tea alongside jugs of foaming ale with the spoils already in the bag. Anticipation in the bar was palpable as our boys kicked off in South Africa, but it was not long before most of us retired to the hazy sanctuary of the lawns preferring to bask in the sun than have our souls sunk in the bar.
With the kids running hither and thither sipping Shirley Temples, the WAGs providing a dash of glamour and the bar tab rising, we all shared a truly lovely few hours hanging out under the watchful eye of the most majestic of houses telling our stories and puffing fags.
I’ve said it before, but really, guys it does not get any better than this.....
Thanks to one and all for a perfect English summer’s day......
Oh, except for the bloody football..... Tossers!
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
BHCC v The Tappers - Match Report - 6th June 2010
Unlike the pointless ‘Test’ (I use the word in its loosest sense) taking place between England and Bangladesh at Old Trafford, Babington House produced an exhilarating performance to beat The Tappers by 44 runs. Our cricket was characterised by some murderous batting, attacking bowling and eclectic field-placings which combined to dismantle the talented visitors.
Joyously, we won the toss on one of those delightful Sunday afternoons for which we all crave; a swimming pool sky, gentle breeze and outbursts of warm sunshine that shone down on this humble enclave of rural beauty. The two Mark’s, Meadows and Cadbury, opened up with their classical styles; both tall in their stance and elegant off the front foot, we were soon rattling along at six an over.
Meadows drove imperiously over mid-on for six whilst Cadbury favoured the covers against full-length bowling which rarely threatened.
With the agenda set, the middle and late order reached for the papers, of both the Fleet Street and Rizla variety, and nestled into the deckchairs. Nicola Player fiddled meticulously with the scorebook and the boys kept the scoreboard up to date. All seemed well with the world as the ball was caressed to the boundary populated by picnickers absorbed in their hampers.
With Cadbury on 42 his patience snapped, not for the first time, and he skied to the bowler with the score on 95. Enter Nick Sinfield, a man hardly renowned for playing himself in, and in front of his watching father, embarked on a truly memorable innings. Using the new heavy Newbery bat with a bright pink rubber (‘johnny’ according to Matt Ellis!), Sinfield combined ferocious power to destroy any semblance of resistance from a fading Tappers side. One cover drive seared to the boundary after what seemed like little more than a defensive punch with Sinfield holding his text-book position momentarily and admiringly; yes mate, I noticed!!!
Meadows reached seventy but as he has done so often, gave up a beckoning century in the interests of letting others have a bat. An opener to the core, he is a delight to watch and provides the perfect foil for the middle order. By now, Sinfield was in full flow and a myriad of four and sixes took us past the 150 mark; he was finally run out for a breathtaking knock of 86 and I doubt he has ever batted better.
Chester Ellis showed his rich promise (and technique) and will score mountains of runs in the future while the rest swished the score up to 250; Matt Ellis and Mike Sherring were caught after big heaves, Ed Weale retired while James MacKenzie and Chris Player scampered and remained not out. As for yours truly, an impersonation of a blind man who has never batted before resulted in an inglorious duck and for the first time in my life, I have yet to put bat to ball before mid-June. Retire man, retire!
Tea was taken in the shadows of the silent chapel and the balmy calm only interrupted by the landing of a helicopter in the adjacent field. The pilots joined us for a spread of doorstop sandwiches, apple tarts, scones that threaten even the most svelte of waistlines, homemade jam and dollops of cream; some of us took to the field somewhat slowly!!!
Not Andrew Jolliffe. As befits a man who has just cycled the length of the nation in aid of charity, his new ball spell was instrumental in Babington winning the game. His opening over and first of the season, saw every ball pitch on a metaphorical sixpence and of perfect length just outside off-stump. Dave Smith, former England hockey goalminder and a thoroughbred bat, was rightly bemused and attempted to pull in Jolliffe’s (2 for 22) second over only for the ball to lollop into Sinfield’s gauntlets.
At the other end, Luckes drove MacKenzie (0 for 31) into the bean field for six and looked set for a big score before Sherring, all aggression and bravado, pouched a rasping drive off his own bowling. Sherring (1 for 28) knew, as we all did, that that was largely that and his puffed barrel chest was a marked show of victory.
With the heavy artillery removed, we had the chance to manoeuvre and the bowling changes were multifold; Chester (0 for 16 off 4 overs) and Chris Player (2 for 18) oozed youthful promise and Ed Weale (1 for 10) delighted in knocking over Trevelyan for a well-made 29. Andy Morton grafted for 35 and opposing captain Ali Ruxton lasted even less-time than his opposite number losing his middle peg first ball.
The ‘filth’ of Pinnell, Cadbury (in particular) and Matt Ellis mixed full-bungers with the odd half-decent delivery ensuring The Tappers reached two hundred whilst losing wickets at regular intervals. Tennant made a workmanlike half century, but the result was never in doubt and Sinfield appropriately brought the curtain down on a fine match stumping Briscoe of a Matt Ellis ‘moon ball’....
Flagons of ale followed on the lawn accompanied by the chitter-chatter of two teams that have become great friends. As dusk descended and the pizza’s arrived, Babington looked an absolute picture and we shook hands with our mates from The Tappers who trudged off back to London and Oxford after another great day’s cricket.
Babington House beat The Tappers by 44 Runs
Man of the Match – Nick Sinfield for his blistering knock.
Champagne Moment – A ‘puffed-chested’ Mike Sherring after catching Luckes off his own bowling.
Joyously, we won the toss on one of those delightful Sunday afternoons for which we all crave; a swimming pool sky, gentle breeze and outbursts of warm sunshine that shone down on this humble enclave of rural beauty. The two Mark’s, Meadows and Cadbury, opened up with their classical styles; both tall in their stance and elegant off the front foot, we were soon rattling along at six an over.
Meadows drove imperiously over mid-on for six whilst Cadbury favoured the covers against full-length bowling which rarely threatened.
With the agenda set, the middle and late order reached for the papers, of both the Fleet Street and Rizla variety, and nestled into the deckchairs. Nicola Player fiddled meticulously with the scorebook and the boys kept the scoreboard up to date. All seemed well with the world as the ball was caressed to the boundary populated by picnickers absorbed in their hampers.
With Cadbury on 42 his patience snapped, not for the first time, and he skied to the bowler with the score on 95. Enter Nick Sinfield, a man hardly renowned for playing himself in, and in front of his watching father, embarked on a truly memorable innings. Using the new heavy Newbery bat with a bright pink rubber (‘johnny’ according to Matt Ellis!), Sinfield combined ferocious power to destroy any semblance of resistance from a fading Tappers side. One cover drive seared to the boundary after what seemed like little more than a defensive punch with Sinfield holding his text-book position momentarily and admiringly; yes mate, I noticed!!!
Meadows reached seventy but as he has done so often, gave up a beckoning century in the interests of letting others have a bat. An opener to the core, he is a delight to watch and provides the perfect foil for the middle order. By now, Sinfield was in full flow and a myriad of four and sixes took us past the 150 mark; he was finally run out for a breathtaking knock of 86 and I doubt he has ever batted better.
Chester Ellis showed his rich promise (and technique) and will score mountains of runs in the future while the rest swished the score up to 250; Matt Ellis and Mike Sherring were caught after big heaves, Ed Weale retired while James MacKenzie and Chris Player scampered and remained not out. As for yours truly, an impersonation of a blind man who has never batted before resulted in an inglorious duck and for the first time in my life, I have yet to put bat to ball before mid-June. Retire man, retire!
Tea was taken in the shadows of the silent chapel and the balmy calm only interrupted by the landing of a helicopter in the adjacent field. The pilots joined us for a spread of doorstop sandwiches, apple tarts, scones that threaten even the most svelte of waistlines, homemade jam and dollops of cream; some of us took to the field somewhat slowly!!!
Not Andrew Jolliffe. As befits a man who has just cycled the length of the nation in aid of charity, his new ball spell was instrumental in Babington winning the game. His opening over and first of the season, saw every ball pitch on a metaphorical sixpence and of perfect length just outside off-stump. Dave Smith, former England hockey goalminder and a thoroughbred bat, was rightly bemused and attempted to pull in Jolliffe’s (2 for 22) second over only for the ball to lollop into Sinfield’s gauntlets.
At the other end, Luckes drove MacKenzie (0 for 31) into the bean field for six and looked set for a big score before Sherring, all aggression and bravado, pouched a rasping drive off his own bowling. Sherring (1 for 28) knew, as we all did, that that was largely that and his puffed barrel chest was a marked show of victory.
With the heavy artillery removed, we had the chance to manoeuvre and the bowling changes were multifold; Chester (0 for 16 off 4 overs) and Chris Player (2 for 18) oozed youthful promise and Ed Weale (1 for 10) delighted in knocking over Trevelyan for a well-made 29. Andy Morton grafted for 35 and opposing captain Ali Ruxton lasted even less-time than his opposite number losing his middle peg first ball.
The ‘filth’ of Pinnell, Cadbury (in particular) and Matt Ellis mixed full-bungers with the odd half-decent delivery ensuring The Tappers reached two hundred whilst losing wickets at regular intervals. Tennant made a workmanlike half century, but the result was never in doubt and Sinfield appropriately brought the curtain down on a fine match stumping Briscoe of a Matt Ellis ‘moon ball’....
Flagons of ale followed on the lawn accompanied by the chitter-chatter of two teams that have become great friends. As dusk descended and the pizza’s arrived, Babington looked an absolute picture and we shook hands with our mates from The Tappers who trudged off back to London and Oxford after another great day’s cricket.
Babington House beat The Tappers by 44 Runs
Man of the Match – Nick Sinfield for his blistering knock.
Champagne Moment – A ‘puffed-chested’ Mike Sherring after catching Luckes off his own bowling.
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