The Strollers arrived for one of our longest-standing
fixtures against Jordans Taverners, now playing at the picturesque Coleshill
ground, overlooked by an imperious Victorian water tower — apparently now a
Grand Designs home.
Skipper Steve Rogers won the toss shortly after the
Taverners skipper remarked: "I'd hoped you'd have a bat." Unsure
whether this was mind games or just honesty, Rogers chose to bat. Forty overs
per side, with a pink ball in play as the traditional red can sometimes get
lost in the sea of trees when blowing from the water tower end.
Rogers sent out Mike Pittams and Peter Wood to open, with
regular openers Blair Travis on daddy duty and George Love gallivanting around
Europe. The pair got off to a brisk start, aided by plenty of pace from the
Taverners opening bowlers and a lightning-fast outfield, thanks to an
unseasonably warm April and early May. Several balls flew to the boundary,
keeping the scoreboard ticking. Pittams, who scored an unbeaten 86 at this
ground last year, looked to maintain momentum but slashed at one outside off
and was caught by the keeper on his third attempt.
Next into the middle was the newest and most enthusiastic
recruit to the Strollers, Brad Trebilcock, coming in having scored one run off three
balls across his last two innings and having been out in two different ways.
Brad had said his goal for the day was improve on his number of runs and get
out in a new fashion.
Brad made some solid contact with the middle of his bat and
managed to double his run tally. But as can sometimes be an issue with the
Strollers batting, calling was a problem. After one particularly lofty blow
from Brad crunched straight to the man at mid-off, our hero set off with the speed of a short-distance
runner and was three-quarters of the way down the pitch before Peter turned his
head from ball-watching to notice and yelled: “No run!” Poor Brad was stranded
a long way short of his crease as mid-off threw to the keeper for a run-out.
While this was unfortunate for Brad, his goal had been achieved.
Next up was the ever-reliable Glen Oliver, who started
scratchily, edging one between keeper and slip. But after using up one of his
many lives he punished the Taverners for not taking their chances. After
initially looking strong, Wood sat at the other end watching Oliver take the
majority of the strike before popping one back to the bowler for a
solid 29.
Hugh Martindale tried to accelerate but skied one for a
comfortable catch. At 113-4 after 22 overs, the Strollers looked light on runs.
Enter Rogers, who over the past year has made a habit of producing runs when
most needed. He and Glen put on a massive 154-run partnership for the fifth wicket,
before Glen retired on 157, having turned the tide completely.
While Glen and Steve built their masterclass, another
contest played out in the field. With the Taverners one player short, several
Strollers helped field. None more energetically than Mike Pittams, who seemed
determined to stop everything Glen tried to score. On one occasion, so focused
on cutting off a boundary, Pittams failed to see the approaching fence — and
cartwheeled over it. To his credit, he saved the run and popped straight back
up as if nothing had happened.
Rogers and Jack Le Serve closed out the innings, with the
Strollers posting a formidable 289-4. Rogers finished unbeaten on a fine 64 not
out.
Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a superb tea — thanks to the
Taverners for the fantastic spread.
With full bellies, the Strollers took to the field to defend their total.
Freddie Broster-Turley bowled into the wind, perhaps reminiscing about the
Wellington breeze — or more likely because the run-up was less steep. He
induced an edge with his third ball, which flew to Pittams at gully. Having put
in a heroic fielding shift for both sides — or perhaps weighed down by too many
sandwiches — Pittams put it down. This was the first of at least 10 dropped
catches that helped keep the Taverners in the chase.
Broster-Turley bowled economically, conceding just 17 runs
in his eight overs and generating two more dropped chances. At the other end, Wood
struck with his trademark inswinger, removing Will Barton for eight.
An 82-run partnership between Oli Myers and Joseph Baker
was broken by Le Serve, who found Tom Salvesen's safe hands. Myers, the
standout Taverners batter, went on to score a brilliant 128 before being bowled
by the dependable Alastair Macaulay, who also claimed the final wicket of Simon
Hungin, out for a dangerous-looking 48.
The Taverners fell 36 runs short, giving the Strollers a
well-earned win. Both teams then retired to the Jolly Cricketers in Seer Green —
a darling wee pub — for a few celebratory pints and a post-match debrief.
Thanks again to the Taverners for hosting us — always a
fantastic fixture played in great spirit.
Capt: Steve Rogers. Wkt: Hugh Martindale.
Match report: Freddie Broster-Turley. Match fees: Simon Brodbeck.
