The Turks

Match Report

Matches against The Turks tend to be full of drama, and this was no exception. Electing to bat on a good looking track, and with a batting order bristling with talent, the Stragglers limped rather modestly to 184. Almost all got to double figures, two were run out chasing impossible runs, and Charlie Munton dilscooped into the keeper’s gloves. Graham Tyndall suggested that a similar score sheet for his Kings School 2nd XI would have warranted some harsh words. Only Justin Hubbard, stranded on a careful 47* would have been excused.

The Turks came out to bat with a quiet air of confidence. This was swiftly deflated, as Turks’ skipper, Tony Brown, followed James Stabb’s loosener and top edged it gently to mid-wicket. At the other end Simon Blair bowled with considerable ferocity to remove much of the top order (including Simon Allport appearing for the Turks). At 65 for 5 the Turks were in disarray, but as long as Tom Spurling was at the crease, the target remained well within reach. With a century against the Stragglers in 2012, Tom treated the attack with comfortable disdain. James turned on the Tapp, the trap was sprung, and, with considerable relief, Max Linington held on to the catch at long off. The Turkish tail subsided, and the Stragglers continue undefeated into July.