The Turks

Match Report

After a number of defeats at the hands of the Stragglers, The Turks fielded a strong young side under Sultan Tom Spurling, supported by Straggler Kieran Wardman (in the role of Serbian Prince Stefan Lazarevic at the battle of Nicopolis in 1396, turning out for the opposition). The Turks batted first, and were kept just about in check, mainly due to a couple of excellent catches, the first by by Rory DD at the third time of asking in the slips, and Tom Wood’s elegant crocodile catch, having just been moved two paces to his right. At 71or 3 from 20 overs, the Turks were under some pressure. However, the fall of the third wicket brought Tom Spurling to the wicket, and he made it look so easy, dispatching Straggler bowlers to all parts. At the other end, his partner offered a couple of hard chances, which went to ground, and the Straggler fielding became increasingly ragged. When Tom S was finally adjudged LBW to Tom W for 94, the score had raced to 204. The carnage was not quite complete, and a declaration at 260 for 5 set the Stragglers a challenging target.

The Straggler batting was a lacking recent match practice, but openers Tom W and Billy Selmon (32) managed to grind on and keep the bowling out – 21 from the first 10 overs. Finally wickets began to fall, but runs kept on ticking along with Harry Gibson (37) and Matt Simpson (23) leading the way. At the fall of the 5th wicket, the Stragglers still needed 173 from 15 overs. Enter Toby Snape, and battle ensued. The required rate came down apace, and an unlikely victory increasingly looked a possibility. However, one final throw of the dice saw Kieran brought back, Toby was stumped by Tom for 64, and the Straggler shutters went up – not the natural style. With the final pair at the crease and four overs left, the match hung on a knife-edge. Three and a half overs seen off, and the Chairman tried to give the close fielders cause for concern; however, the shot over midwicket failed to connect with the ball, back foot out of the crease, and Tom had the bails off in a flash. A victory for the Turks, as in 1396, by 53 runs.