Bishopsbourne

Match Report

The Straggler season, begun with such relentless momentum, overwhelming all comers, stuttered again at Bishopsbourne. A team of all the talents could not get the ball off the square, and a funereal procession of batsmen, who had made a decent start, drifted back to the pavilion. At 128 for 6 in the 31st over, modesty was the order of the day. Eight overs later a declaration at 233 for 8 had been created by an explosive innings, appropriately Cox like in ferocity and pace, from Simon Allport. Too hot to run, Simon took to the bowling with gusto, reaching 64 with only 6 singles.

Bishopsbourne set off briskly enough, but a mistimed full toss and a miraculous catch at long on by Hugo Snape put the brakes on, and the innings faltered. Bowling changes were rung, and everybody chipped in, but there was never enough pressure, and Bishopsbourne batted out for a tame draw at 157 for 6.