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!