The Junior BB

Match Report

The BaBes of 2010 are not the force of yesteryear, and, in spite of the usual Straggler frailties when confronted with modest opposition, were undone in the heat at Torry Hill. Early Straggler wickets fell and at 16 for 3, Theo Allport, leading the BaBes, was being well supported by his bowlers and fielders, but then a crucial catch went to ground. Alex Reece, jogging to the pavilion, survived to make an unbeaten 87, and that was a key moment. Patrick Mitchell and Oli Durell made batting look effortless but perished, only to bring in Simon Allport, who put son Theo to the sword with a swift 44, and a declaration at 208 for 5.

The Straggler opening bowlers presented a delightful contrast, with the lanky Ed Prest firing on most cylinders, and the more portly figure of Paddy Butler offering something more beguiling. Both picked up wickets, as the BaBes innings never really gained momentum. The lower middle order of Seb Leggett and Will Weston (last man out with 50) held up proceedings for a while, but the spin of Alex Reece and Simon Allport was always too taxing. The Straggler fielding is worthy of particular note, as the ball seemed to follow the least agile around the park. Paddy Butler introduced new skills to the role of boundary protection; Nigel Snape, hampered by a hamstring injury was targeted at first (and then receding) slip, although he did take a slip catch for which the reaction time could be measured with a sun dial.