The BOFs

Match Report

After two cancellations the much-anticipated Stragglers season got underway at Wellesley with not a cloud in sight, and a pitch only just dry enough for cricket. The toss was won and despite no Baker White or Smallwood, it was decided the batting line up was more than adequate to set a competitive total. Archie Brealy, on debut, started the innings well alongside the ever-reliable Will Fenwick (41). Despite being only 15, Archie played with a calm head and saw off a decent opening attack, only to fall to the first over of spin having done the hard work. A small wobble ensued, largely assisted by the umpiring of Harry Pattinson, who briefly showed general numerical illiteracy with a 7 ball over, making matters worse by triggering Will LBW on the additional ball. A strong middle order combination of Theo Allport (65) and Jamie Letten (75) steadied the ship with the Stragglers declaring on 272 for 7 from 54 overs.

With some in the field questioning the skipper’s decision to delay the declaration, the Stragglers had to keep the rate of play up by moving between overs at a speed not often achieved with the Teracotta army in tow; thankfully, the Terracotta Army was otherwise occupied. Strong opening spells from Hugo Snape and Nick Wright restricted the BOFs and wickets started to fall. A relentless attack with 8 different bowlers, and wickets from 6 (Alex Ross the pick with 3 for 18), saw the Stragglers remain on top throughout the innings with the BOFs being bowled out for 164.