Fixture Secretary’s XI

Match Report

The loss of the toss and being inserted was enough responsibility for one day, and Nigel handed over captaincy of the Fixture Secretary’s XI to Hugo, who sent out some young guns to get the innings off to a flier. However, George Baker White was undone by the pace and bounce of Toby Snape, and Angus Ward by the flight of Simon Allport. Simon’s return catch is his 11th outfield catch of the season, one shy of Andrew Cox’s record. Nine for two was not the start Hugo had envisaged, and sent Nigel in to partner his occasional runner, Jamie Lavers, and calm was restored, although Nigel did not relish doing his own running. A combination of finesse and forearms saw both to half centuries, although Nigel’s was not applauded appropriately, as the scorer neglected to inform the crowd. A breakthrough catch by Sam Attwood at long on, and an over confident reverse sweep saw them back in the pavilion, followed in a steady procession by David Santa Olalla, Theo Allport and Jack Wood, each making a few. Jonathan Neame should also have been on his way, offering a sitter to the Chairman off Mark BW, which was floored to collective despair. Inevitably Jonathan took advantage of his let off, depositing Mark over the fence twice in one over, before Hugo’s perhaps generous declaration at 212 for 7.

The brothers Smallwood took up the challenge with relish, and Al can consider himself unlucky to pick out probably the only fielder, Angus, who could take a running catch at deep mid-wicket off his toes. Nick Copestake perished to bring in Chris Lark, who settled in to use the time to best advantage, and when he was eventually out 29 overs later for a well-crafted 79, the job was almost done. Jasper, Tom Wood, Sam and Simon all contributed in support, and victory looked assured. However, Archie Hammond took his fourth wicket and Jonathan his first, to bring Mark in to see it home with Barney Taylor. Unfortunately, he had to face not only Theo Allport with the ball but umpire Toby ‘The Trigger’ Snape. Scores level, penultimate over, Baker triggered, fielders ringing the Chairman facing his first ball of the season. You could cut the tension with a knife. Victory assured.