Egerton

Match Report

Egerton welcomed a Straggler side pushing the boundaries of gender equality, while enjoying some replays of former glories. Skipper Justin Hubbard introduced his sister, first class cricketer Elysa, the first time that ladies cricket has enjoyed full representation in a Straggler side (we have had an occasional stand in fielder in the past). And Matt Smallwood opened the innings with significant elan, smiting a mighty six over the square leg boundary, and then cover driving with great power. His domination of the opening stand was only brought to an end, when he had scored a sumptuous 20, by a spectacular boundary catch. Watching from the other end (and learning from the senior pro) was Archie Hammond, who then set about building an innings of substance, while partners came and went. Elysa (13) and Justin (34) were minor players in a couple of big partnerships with Archie. At the end of the 29th over, the Stragglers were comfortably poised at 170 for 2. Three overs later and the wheels had come off – 178 for 6. The middle order had not so much collapsed as evaporated. With Nick Healy (7), Ed Prest (5) and James Glean (6*), Archie at least had partners, who managed to hang about, and he moved to his century, eventually ending undefeated on 119, the Stragglers on 236 for 8 after 40 overs.

Egerton had elected to play an ‘overs’ game, and were soon behind the pace. Ed Prest bowled a really lively opening spell, radar fully engaged, but only managed to pick up a single scalp (otherwise let down in the slip cordon). Nick Wright, who came on to replace Ed, bowled with ferocious pace at a full length, and picked up three wickets to end the game as a contest. With spin twins Nick Healy and Benny Smallwood controlling the other end, it was now a question of survival for the last recognised Egerton bat, Steve Wellard, who ended undefeated on 75; but Egerton were 50 runs short at 156 for 8 at the close.