TDM Burleigh’s XI

Match Report

Toby Snape provided the cutting edge for the Straggler attack, having inserted a TDMB XI replete with batting talent on a glorious day at Wellesley. He removed both Paul and Lewis Bedford in a ferocious opening spell, and with Eliot Forster operating with fine economy at the other end, runs were slow in coming. Momentum was not allowed to gather, as bowling changes brought wickets, and the rate slowed again. Toby with 2 for 44, and Theo Allport, 3 for 28, were the pick of the bowlers, but even Theo would agree that his wicket taking balls were not the most threatening. Al Smallwood (40), Matt Thornby (42) and Archie Hammond (64) all looked to cut loose, only to be thwarted, the latter two run out by some exceptional out fielding, unusual for the Stragglers. The declaration was delayed until, as if enough was enough, a third run out brought the innings to a close at 254.

A successful chase would represent the seventh highest target in Straggler history, and success was duly achieved. Undaunted by the task ahead, Simon Allport (81) and Bart Forster (32) set off at a steady pace, accelerating into tea – 53 without loss from only 9 overs. And so it went on, with Jonathan Neame (87*) joining Simon, when Bart gifted his wicket. Simon and Jonathan put on 89 in 10 overs, leaving a very modest target of 75 from the final 20 overs. Simon fell to another run out; Theo blazed briefly for 23, and Jack Wood (26) finished things off in a hurry, denying the Master Brewer the chance of a century. Victory by 6 wickets with 9 overs to spare.