Nonington

Match Report

Recruiting a side for the Nonington fixture became something of a headache, as players fell by the wayside with regularity. However, Jeremy Godden came to the rescue with three (and a half) players from the Hatch, all of whom had made previous appearances for the Stragglers. Match Manager, Louis Glynn-Williams, also invited Dan McHugh from Nonington to make up the final XI. With an agreed toss, the Stragglers were in the field, with Kevin Baker and Tom Instance (on debut) bowling with great fire. After a couple of quiet overs, one of the Nonington openers went after the bowling with considerable intent, a large total in mind. However, a miscue sent the ball almost vertically from the bat. Of at least six Stragglers, who could have made an attempt, it was Freddie Fisher who made a valiant attempt. Fortunately, Will Evans noticed that the non-striker had reached the other end, while the batsman who had struck the blow was gently ambling up the wicket. A direct hit did the job – 40 for 1 in the 7th. From here the innings rather stalled, as the run rate drifted and neither bat seemed sufficiently confident to have a thrash at the bowling. Number three retired hurt but not much changed. Will, Dan and the Chairman kept the pace down and runs dried up, but wickets seemed to be impossible to buy. It was not until the 35th over than the returning Tom finally took another wicket, the first for a bowler, as he removed the other opener for a very careful 58 – now 146 for 2. This, however, opened the door to a strong middle order, and Paul Betts, a frequent opponent at both Nonington and Street End, upped the rate with a swift 25 from 14 balls. Paul was removed by Will, bowled round his legs, and Kevin finally got on the card, with the wicket of Adam Cork. A total of 194 for 4 was more than had been hoped, but definitely within reach.

Batting second on a pitch, which promised plenty for the patient and the bold, the Straggler innings never quite found the rhythm it needed. Early signs were not auspicious, with Jeremy Godden falling early, his dismissal in the third over left the Stragglers at 10 for 1 and in need of stability.  That stability came from James Grant, who batted with calm assurance — blocking stoutly and working anything short into the gaps. At the other end, Freddie Fisher took a more expansive approach. After a few sighters, he began to find the boundary with increasing regularity, dispatching anything overpitched down the ground. Their partnership built nicely, and when James fell for a composed 31, the Stragglers were well set at 73 for 2. Jordan Godden joined Freddie and looked to continue the momentum. However, just as the Stragglers had the target firmly in view, wickets began to fall. Jordan departed for 11 before Freddie, having reached an impressive 55 from 56 balls, including eight boundaries and a towering six was sent back to the pavilion. The middle order struggled to rebuild. Tom Instance (20) showed intent, with Louis Glynn-Williams also bowled by regular Straggler nemesis, Paul Betts. Dan McHugh offered a much-needed injection of runs with a bright 28, including two sweetly timed fours, but when he and Will Evans both fell with the score on 148, the innings threatened to unravel.  At 162 for 9, it was left to Kevin Baker to try to steer the tail home. He played with uncharacteristic finesse, finishing on an unbeaten 16.  The Stragglers, however, fell 19 runs short.