Tonbridge School XI

Despite minimal rain forecast for the hours of play at Tonbridge, the day began with a message from P. Mitchell saying, “looks like the game is in the balance”. Concerns were raised as to whether he had his dates mixed up (again) and that he was in the south-west, unable to make it; thankfully he was in the correct county.  The Stragglers, itching to get out to the middle, won the toss and elected to bat, but the start of play was delayed due to a wet run up… With time to kill the Stragglers opted to drink coffee and catch up on evening antics rather than hone their skills using the superb net facilities on offer. No surprises there. Tonbridge bowled very tightly from beginning to end and managed to restrict the Stragglers to 141 from 35 overs, with their captain Joe Baldwin picking up 5 wickets. George BW achieved the only score of note with 52 to his name. Perhaps a net or two might have not gone amiss. 

 With a low score to defend, the opening attack of H Snape and J Adams got to work and put Tonbridge under immediate pressure with some very tight bowling and an early wicket from Hugo. Rufus (1 for 22) came on first change and despite not having bowled in over 18 months managed to put together a great spell picking up the other opening bat, caught behind by brother Inigo who clearly was trying to prove a younger brother point by standing up. Skipper Toby (2 for 24) was bowling like the wind as well, supported at the other end by Fred Sharp (3 for 37), and the Stragglers found themselves in pole position with Tonbridge 9 down and requiring 40 or so runs to win.  However, a superb knock from the Tonbridge 9 and 11 took the game to the last over.  With Hugo steaming in we thought the game was over with 12 to score off the last 2 balls.  However, a delivery in the slot from Hugo saw the ball sailing over GBW’s head at cow corner. Gulp.  6 to win now and another slot ball gave Tonbridge a chance to end the game in superb fashion. The ball went high and was heading straight down GBW’s throat. George was however clearly deep in thought about how he had soaked up 36 dot balls in his knock and wasn’t ready for it. He decided to put in an entry for the Lark catching cup and managed to parry the ball with his chest rather than try and catch it. Despite dropping the ball, the 6 was averted and the Stragglers secured a last ball win.  A superb first fixture against Tonbridge all round and one that will hopefully remain in the calendar for many years to come. The depth of Tonbridge cricket looks to have improved since many of the Straggler team were at the school…