Band of Brothers

Match Report

The third fixture against the Band of Brothers saw two exceptional Straggler contributions in a tightly fought contest, which eventually ended in a frustrating draw, with Finn Hulbert once again denying the Stragglers the satisfaction of a first victory.  On the basis that the Stragglers cannot chase in 2019, Patch won the toss and elected to bat.  One ball into the innings, the decision looked a little wobbly, as Finn managed to move the ball back into Theo, who got the finest of edges.  George BW (apart from his running and calling, which is always bit edgy) batted with considerable elegance, seeing his partners come and go – Jasper for a smart 22, the Master Brewer (once again taking the opportunity to bat higher than his designated position, as Ben was not quick enough to grab a bat) with 42, and Ben, when he was allowed in, for 13.  Lunch was taken with the Stragglers well placed on 174 for 4, and George undefeated on 89.  Not much changed after the break, except, perhaps, George hit the ball more cleanly and with greater power to cruise past his ton, and on to 151*, when Patch called him in, the total on 301 for 8 declared.  Other partners (Charlie Mac (30) and Al (13)) had come and flourished briefly, Al’s dismissal the more spectacular, caught on the boundary by Finn from a huge switch-hit.  This is George’s third century of the season, and his second career 150; the batting award looks pretty much sown up for 2019.

With a big target to defend, but without a great depth of recognised bowling options, the spin twins of Theo and Al were always going to play a big part, if the Stragglers were to get close; and the BB had every intention of chasing down the target.  Toby and Nick W opened up for a burst of pace before tea, Toby nicking an edge through to keeper Charlie Mac, but otherwise the BB were beginning to cruise – 68 for 1 from 14 overs at the break.  It all changed after tea, with Theo inducing a false shot from Matt Simpson (among the more straight forward keeper catches) for 33, and Al floating the ball up to be hit, but with catches going to hand.  Theo took two at short fine leg, Patch tumbling at long-on and George hard by the boundary at cow corner (this last to remove Pask for 78).  The BB 81 for 1 had become 124 for 5, but they kept going hard, punishing anything loose, up with the rate, the Chairman taking a pounding.  At the other end, Al continued to deceive and finally (for the third time of asking in 2019) took his fifth.  He changed ends as the Straggler grip on the game tightened for one more (another Theo catch, in the deep this time) to finish with 6 for 94.  But the broad bat wielded in defence by Finn proved a hurdle too far at the last, Finn remaining undefeated on 58, as Patch tried to find the key in the last 8 overs.  The BB were well short but defiant on 244 for 9 at the close.  A great game of cricket, testament to the quality of wandering cricket in the county.