Tenterden

Match Report

The Straggler batting ‘contenders’ all contributed to a strong start at Tenterden on a good wicket and fast outfield, with Al Smallwood (75), Jasper (43) and Theo (42) to the fore. However, wickets fell regularly enough and a strong middle order contrived to stumble to 236 for 9, which brought two senior pros together – Nigel Snape and Simon Allport. Nigel set about the bowling, recreating dreams of yesteryear and postponing all thoughts of retirement for at least a decade. 6 overs later, the skipper had the luxury of a declaration at 284 for 9, with Nigel undefeated on 53.

Tenterden set off with urgency, and when three wickets fell on 79, one opener had scored 65. This only served to bring together Ben Price, one of the cleanest strikers of a ball in the county and Tenterden pro, Timir Chanda. Together they put on 100 exactly in 10 overs, and defeat was in immediate prospect. The Stragglers were not to be rolled over so easily, and a regular feature of 2012, quality in the field, came good once again. Blair Hart held on to Chanda, and then Archie picked up Price(119) off Jasper. The tail fell away to a total of 257, leaving the Stragglers victorious in a fantastic game of cricket which went to the wide with any result possible.