Borden

Match Report

Winning the toss and electing to bat at Borden, the Stragglers stumbled to 20 for 2 in the sixth over. Bart ‘Boycott’ Forster dropped anchor, determined to build an innings and bat out the afternoon, which he did, still there at the end unbeaten on 65. At the other end the tempo was brisker as first Theo (56), and then Owen Moelwyn Hughes (59) and Justin Hubbard (66*) each took advantage of some modest bowling. A declaration was declined to allow a junior debutant a couple of overs. Justin, having offered a couple of chances, showed little mercy, and the innings closed at 271 for 4, at the second time of asking.

It is very infrequently that the Stragglers have an attack that warrants three slips and two gullies! A mother’s meeting was duly convened in an attacking arc. With Toby Sinclair and Felix Saro Wiwa bowling with pace and aggression, edges were always at risk, and quality got its reward, as each forced an error. The change pair of Wardman brothers, Kieran and Olly, were as well supported by the amateur jugglers, and each induced a false shot in their first over – Olly having carefully placed Bart at square leg. From then on it was a grind, with Borden defending the draw. Three more wickets fell, and at 77 for 7 and 14 overs left, victory was on the cards. However, defense was sound and the Stragglers were denied at 129 for 8.