2015 Season Review
Sat 2nd May Eastleigh BC Riverside Park
Team - Will, Toby, Jon, Pete H, Pete E, Ed, Adam, Martin K, Simon, Howard
After a long winter break we are back. Breaking with tradition we start our season against Eastleigh BC, rather than The Cavaliers.
Despite being our first game of the season, and it also being a bank holiday weekend, for some reason the rain stayed away though it was quite cold. Eastleigh batted first and got off to what might be called a 'bit of a flyer'. They passed fifty in the first seven overs on a bumpy Riverside pitch, that was looking like it might be tricky to score on. At least it was until we started bowling.
When Toby removed the Eastleigh number three things calmed down a bit. Ed,Simon and Howard took catches, Ed's being of the 'corker' variety to remove the aforementioned No.3 for a score of 74. With Ethers chirping away from behind the stumps (another first following the sad retirement of Dave 'strong and silent type' Perks) BP rotated our rather limited bowling options and managed to restrict Eastleigh to under 180. This was going to be difficult, but we had scored more on this pitch in the past.
In reply BP relied on our old friend wides to keep the scoreboard ticking over early on,
seven wides in the first over gave us some cause for hope. Toby went cheaply having picked out his namesake, the Eastleigh captain, trying to latch on to a short ball. Bad luck in finding what is probably Eastleigh's best fielder. Simon followed soon after, caught and bowled. We also suffered another of those more-common-than-you-think umpiring injuries. This time Martin Kelly was the unlucky recipient, moving rather quicker than his muscles were accustomed to in order to avoid a clash with the bowler.
Ed fought his way to forty-seven, and then managed an all run four to bring up his half century. At this point he retired, although it is difficult to say if this was because of the fifty or the all ran four. Quite possibly either would have been enough to make Ed think it was time to give others a go.
Adam also helped the cause no end with thirty-five but the early onslaught from Eastleigh BC made the target just too far off, and we started our season with a defeat. Next up The Vine. Looks like it could be a tough season.
Thurs 7th May The Vine Bursledon Rec
Team - Toby, Howard, Simon, Matt S, Will, Mike L, Paul N, AJ, Jon, Ethers, Finley Whale
We arrived at our traditional early season fixture versus the Vine in good spirits after a strong performance against Eastleigh.
The weather was better than usual - it wasn't raining and was at least 10 degrees.
We had a full 11 including a debut for Finley Whale - son of popular and charismatic all rounder Will ( my brother...). ( Editor's note: as with all things on the internet, one should exercise caution about what to believe)
The Vine batted first and were aggressive from ball one. Will and Other Mike bowled well, with Howard taking two smart catches off Will's bowling. Ethers kept wicket under the watchful eye of Dave Perks - he seemed pleased with the young man's progress.
Matt Shroff bowled a great spell and AJ and Finley finished the innings with Finley taking his first wicket with a great ball, having also fielded well.
The Vine posted a challenging 115 off 16 overs, and Toby and Simon played really well against a tight attack. Toby hit a massive 6 and retired on 25. Other Mike then picked up where he left off and also reached 25.
BPCC ended up on 73 for 6 , but we were very entertaining in the pub.
Thurs 21st May Mark Tong X1 Sports Centre
Team: Mark Ath, Arvind, Simon, Daz B, Phil Moulin, Peter B. Paul N. Adam, Ostin. Mike K, Pete H.
Heavy traffic is always a challenge for these evening games, and this occasion was no exception, but thanks to the marvels of mobile telephony we knew that some players were merely delayed, not AWOL, so the toss was dispensed with and BP batted first.
Arvind & Mark opened, facing some accurate bowling, Simon joining Arvind when Mark wasdismissed. Slow steady progress was made enabling them both to retire on '25', Simon proving once again that he can count and hitting his last ball for 6 to end on 30.
Some lusty biffing by the Moulster and Daz; who can now go back to being called just 'Daz' following the brief interlude when Daz Phillips was with us, (Editor's note, this 'brief interlude' lasted 12 years) resulted in us posting a not-seeming-quite-enough 100 in 18 overs.
In reply some early tight bowling by Mike & Ostin kept us in the game, but the runs accrued steadily after their spells finished and the Mark Tong X1 scored the final runs in the 18th over, resulting in a closer finish than seemed likely at the change of innings.
BP have thus lost our opening 3 games of the season but undeterred we are looking forward to playing the Cavaliers on the 30th as the next chance to break our duck.
Sat 30th May Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team - Mark Ath, Toby, Ed, Howard, Will, Jon, Pete H, Mike K, Ostin, Finley Whale, Mole
The first test match of the season arrived on a chilly and overcast day. With Ethers unavailable Finley Whale stepped in to make his second appearance for BP. Toby and Mark Ath went out to open the batting just as the sun started to make an appearance.
Without Ethers to keep wicket Toby knew he was in for a long spell behind the stumps, and sensibly got himself out to save his energy. Enter Ed. On the larger of the two pitches at Riverside Park, and with a bumpy outfield and uneven bounce in the wicket, run scoring should have been difficult. Ed ignored this and hit an excellent forty odd, with Mark Ath chipping in with 23.
Having reached seventy, BPs innings stalled. This in part was due to fine bowling by the Cavs, and not least by Jack Kushner. Jack had been away studying, and had not bowled for a while, but it did not show. He also seemed about a foot taller than anyone in the BP team could remember, with far less hair, thus improving the aerodynamics of his run up. James was also back to his annoying best with the ball.
Mike helped push the score on, finishing on 23, and with fine contributions from Howard and Finley we reached 128. Less than we looked like getting after 10 overs, but more than we thought we might at several other stages in our innings.
The Cavaliers innings started in a similar way to that of BP, with the fall of an early and valuable wicket. In this case BP were very glad to see Arvind caught by Finley off of Ostin. Good work to by the skipper with a clever bit of field placement.
With Mike and Ostin both bowling fast and straight the Cavs struggled to get the ball away. They may have been taken by surprise by this new approach to bowling that we have rarely used in the past. Once a batsman started to get a few runs he was promptly dismissed, with catches by Ostin and Will particularly notable.
At halfway it was looking very comfortable for BP, but we have been there many times before and know things can change quickly, and usually do. The Cavs continued to bat in little cameos, before being dismissed, but the scores were getting ever closer.
Matt and Jack both helped push the scoreboard along, but BP continued to hold catches (straight bowling, held catches, are you sure this is a BP match report? -ed).
With the match still open Finley came on to bowl, picked up a wicket, and looked very at home (must be time for him to join a proper cricket club -ed).
Eventually the Cavaliers ran out of wickets, and whilst the final deficit was 20 runs, it felt much closer than that out in the middle. Several of the Cavaliers then joined us for beers and nibbles at the Hop Inn.
Weds 3rd June St. Cross Ho. Sports Centre
Team - Mark Ath, Toby, Simon, Pete T, Howard, Adam, Will, Pete H, Paul Neal, Daz B
Things did not start well with injury restricting us to ten players. The return of Pete T helping offset this.
Will had also decided to turn up without cricket trousers. After briefly threatening to play in his pants just like he did back in school, he managed to obtain a pair from somewhere. No one was sure where he got them from, and no one was stupid enough to ask.
We started slowly, as it seemed to be tricky to bat - the pitch was spongy, much like last Saturday's, but with grass which slowed the ball making reaching the boundary hard. We were on the large pitch 1, which was not ideal given our lack of numbers.
In keeping with recent tradition we suffered another injury, this time Simon played a ball up into his face and was persuaded (against his will) to retire hurt. This brought Pete Thompson to the crease. A flurry of twos and threes followed, with Pete showing he has lost none of his pace or hunger for trying to exhaust his team mates. Mark Ath tried to keep up, and then managed to escape by getting to 25 and retiring. Pete also got his 25, but not before pulling a hamstring.
Simon returned and helped us to 97. In a rare example of proper cricket we also managed a 'short run'. Possibly a first for BP. This may be because when umpiring most of us don't know what 'short run' means, let alone how to signal it.
Will and Pete H opened the bowling with Pete Thompson behind the stumps as he couldn't run or bowl (isn't that most of our team? - ed). Paul-I-haven't-bowled-in-15-years-Neal and Toby took over, with Paul looking in good nick.
Pete caught one behind the stumps off Will, above his left shoulder, but we didn't really have quite enough and St Cross got the runs in the 15th over.
Sat 13th June Eastleigh BC Riverside Park
Team - Mark Ath, Toby, Simon, Howard, Arvind, Adam, Will, Finley, Pete H, Jon, Mole
Eastleigh marked the 300th appearance for BP of our skipper Pete H by presenting him with a trophy and bottle of wine. After hearty applause BP elected to bowl to make use of the moisture in the pitch from overnight rain.
Eastleigh progressed slowly and when drinks were taken after 16 overs, had reached 41. The tempo was upped by Eastleigh after this break. The arrival of players BP regard as two of Eastleigh's 'big hitters', in the form of Martyn and Tshaka, was less than welcome.
However, BP continued to contain the run rate, due to a large extent to excellent ground fielding. Three of the Whales in the team (Will, Jon and Finley)(ed. would that be a school or a pod?) all recording direct hits, though the batsmen were well in their ground on each occasion. The only blips were some dropped catches.
Finley and Arvind also bowled well at a stage when Eastleigh were looking to attack, with Finley removing both of the danger men; Martin bowled, and Shaka being brilliantly caught on the boundary by Jon. Possible Champagne Moment alert. The next ball saw wild celebrations of a caught and bowled by Finley, only for these to turn to dust as it was off a no-ball.
Eastleigh finished on 111, which looked achievable given the batting on offer in the BP side.
Toby and Mark Ath opened the batting with Toby going cheaply trying to hit the 'bad ball' of the over. Having looked well set Mark Ath pulled a hamstring ( the second in two weeks for BP) and needed to retire on 33. This sparked a mini collapse, with Simon and Howard falling cheaply. This brought together Arvind and Adam, our Cavaliers special guest stars. Having consolidated the pair tried to push us on as the overs were running out. Fours runs an over crept up to five an over as the required rate.
Arvind got in on the current trend for BP head injuries by getting hit on the left side of his by one of those deceptive slow full tosses. Falling onto the stumps, but not out due to it being a no ball, Arvind was bravely able to continue after a brief interlude, but this was one that could have been nasty. When Adam eventually fell Will joined Arvind.
With two balls left BP needed three to win. A single, and all three options were possible (win, loss or tie) off of the last ball. Eastleigh held their nerve, and a dot ball brought them victory.
Whilst slightly dejected BP still managed to find our way to the Hop Inn.
Weds 24th June OMCC Sports Centre (A)
Team: Ostin, Toby, Simon, Howard, Daz B (which other kind is there?) Adam, Pete T, Pete H, Jono, Mike K, Abbas, Tom.
On Wednesday 24 June, we met our old rivals from OMCC at a sunny Sports Centre. We were on the middle plateau pitch, with very short boundaries one side and unusually long ones on the other, thus allowing twos to be run. BPCC fielded a cunning blend of old (very old in some cases) and new (read 'fit') players - Mike heroically bringing along his mates, Abbas and Tom at short notice to make up the numbers.The more astute of you will notice that was an unusually large number of players, which was all the more surprising as at 3pm the selection committee thought only 9 would be coming. Abbas pointed out that the last time he played was in Pakistan, and asked what all the green stuff was...
Adam was presented with his BPCC badge which he promised to treasure... and then quietly binned on the way home.
Adam was presented with his BPCC badge which he promised to treasure... and then quietly binned on the way home.
OMCC batted first and Mike and Pete T put in excellent opening spells , which were followed up by Ostin who took 2 wickets
and Abbas, Adam and Tom with one each. Ostin also secured a run out with a direct hit. Like all our players this level of skill will fade as he plays more with us all!
Anyway , we restricted OMCC to 93 off 18 overs.
and Abbas, Adam and Tom with one each. Ostin also secured a run out with a direct hit. Like all our players this level of skill will fade as he plays more with us all!
Anyway , we restricted OMCC to 93 off 18 overs.
We opened our reply with Ostin and Toby and were 35 for 0 off 4 overs. Ostin retired on 25+, and Toby was caught for 20.
Simon lost a contact lens (in a possible attempt to protect his average prior to his 200th match next time) but carried on to 25 n.o. together with Daz see us to 87and we all kind of got distracted. Adam then got bowled but Pete T hit a boundary to see us home.
Simon lost a contact lens (in a possible attempt to protect his average prior to his 200th match next time) but carried on to 25 n.o. together with Daz see us to 87and we all kind of got distracted. Adam then got bowled but Pete T hit a boundary to see us home.
A good team victory and well captained by Pete.
Sat 27th June Shirley CC Cancelled
Team selected - Toby, Howard, Simon, Arvind, Ostin, Adam, Will, Finley, James B, Pete H, Jon
This fixture was cancelled as the opponents could not raise a team. A net at River Park was organized, after a brief flirtation with the idea of going to the Rose Bowl, a notion swiftly dismissed due to the possibility of real cricketers being present.
As it was a record number of BP players turned up - more than we get to matches, but the more the merrier as they say, particularly in the Hyde Tavern afterwards.
Sat 11 July Matt Leggatt XI Riverside Park
Team - Toby, Howard, Mark Ath, Simon, Arvind, Will, Jon, Ethers, Martin (via Arvind), Mole
With both sides having less than the traditional eleven at start of play a ten a side game was agreed, with Arvind to play for both (bowl for the MLXI, and bat for Bitterne Park). As the MLXI were short of a number of regulars the captains agreed that BP would bat first. With Toby delayed BP therefore opened with Mark and Howard.
After Howard was out early, Simon joined Mark and put on over a hundred for the next wicket. Team numbers were evened up when James from the Cavaliers arrived and was persuaded to have a bowl, thus replacing Arvind in the MLXI. James Promptly removed Mark (36) and Simon (59), both caught and bowled.
Toby and Martin then moved things along nicely, and once Toby was dismissed, Arvind joined Martin in the middle. Martin was of the "I used to play a bit but haven't for ages" variety, and thus played a number of lovely strokes, finishing on 29 not out. BP reached 212, for the loss of 4 wickets.
BP struck early in MLXI's reply, with Jon taking three quick wickets, and Will also picking one up. After six overs we rotated out bowling attack, with Howard coming on and picking up a couple of wickets. Our opponents dug in, and hit several boundaries, but the overs were fast running out. Both Simon and Mark picked up a wicket, and it was a strange sight to see this pair bowl in tandem when we are far more used to seeing them bat together.
With the hundred up James came out to bat, and promptly put Will back over his head for four. Next ball, and Will removed James's off stump and it was all over.
All that remained before retiring to the pub was to award Simon a bottle of wine for reaching his two hundredth game for the club.
Thurs 16th July Museums Sports Centre
Team: Finley, Howard, James, Mark Mike, Pete E, Pete H, Phil M, Samson, Simon, Will
Another evening game, another mad scramble to find enough players, Your correspondent turned up to find a slightly different line up than had been anticipated, though fortunately, given the Museums' improved team (now stuffed with hungry young whipper-snappers who hit the ball too hard over the boundaries when they are batting) containing 11 players and not a weaker one.
The toss was lost, and BP took to the field, sporting yet another of Mike's mates (Samson), though it was noted that although he appears to have an endless supply of ringers, they only ever seem to play once for us. Perhaps If he paid them double what he normally bribes them with they might turn out again.
Will, Mike & Finley bowled well, Mark took a good catch as the ball dropped quite fast in front of him, and Howard settled into what we call 'The Mole Position' in the field, though it remains to be seen if his shins are made of the required stainless steel. Perhaps he just uses his hands instead.
The score steadily climbed to an impressive-looking 112 off 16 overs, but as we were on the small, distant pitch 5 where more time is spent looking for lost balls than actually playing with them this seemed assailable, particularly given the generous amount of wides bowled (by both sides as it happened).
Pete E gave an athletic display behind the stumps (Ed: shouldn't that be arthritic?), possibly making the watching Dave P feel that his former place had been well filled (though not his place operating the scoreboard, which he continues to do heroically)
When we batted Simon and The Moulster (recorded in the opponents' score book as just “French for Windmill”) both miscounted and had to retire on 26 rather than their accustomed 30 (ease your way to 24 then get a six to squeeze the maximum value from the 25-and-retire rule) and we were seen home by a wide in the final over after some enthusiastic running by Will & Mike.
(Incidentally, your correspondent was recorded in our scorebook as "Hog..iiins" and but correctly in the Museums' one)
Drinks and crisps followed this second in our season's record 2 game winning streak. Bring on the Cavs!
Sat 25th July Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team – Mark, Toby, Simon, Howard, Will, Finley, Milo, Jon
After heavy rain on the preceding days the game was called off at 10:00 on Saturday morning, whereupon the sun came out and a glorious cricket-compatible but cricket-free afternoon was experienced by all.
Team - Toby, Mark, Simon, Howard, Martin P, Daz B, Pete T, Will, Mike L, Finley
Match report including exciting Run Out of the Year to follow when Will gets round to it
Weds 5th Aug St. Cross Ho. Sports Centre (A)
Team Pete H. James B, Mark, Simon, Howard, Pete E, Adam, Mike L. Connor (EBC), Jez (EBC), Dennis (EBC)
There was a time when BPCC didn't organise many games in August due to the number of players finding something better to do in the warm summer afternoons and evenings than play cricket (sic). Now, however, with our burgeoning team list, swelled in no small part it has to be said by the august journal in which you are reading this report, the Fixture Secretary feels justified in arranging matches throughout the holiday season in the sure and certain hope that 11 of our 33 regular and occasional players will turn out.
How wrong he was.
The Chairman of Selectors gleefully rustled up 6 and proceeded to board an emigrant ship to the New World, oblivious to the paucity of reserves. Several days of fruitless searching didn't swell our team by much, but fortunately our good friends of Eastleigh Baptist CC supplied not one but 3 players for the ritual defeat against St. Cross House.
The weather was not promising, but sufficiently not not-promising to allow us to 'play'. Batting first Simon injured himself (is there a 2015 theme here?) facing his first ball but bravely carried on batting to make 25 with Howard as runner. Which of those two aspects was the braver your correspondent declines to mention. A bit of lusty hitting from James B and some nurdling from the Nurdler-in-Chief Pete E moved us on to 89 in our 16 overs.
With lightning in the skies and thunder rumbling all round the ground the St. Cross batsmen knocked off the runs in 11 overs without losing a wicket making us wonder whether by some freak highly localized rainstorm the bowling figures might be washed from the score book...
Sat 8th Aug Eastleigh BC Riverside Park
Team Pete H. Simon, AJ, Pete E, Howard, Mike L, Mike K, Abbas, Mole, Dan (EBC), Toby (EBC)
Back to Riverside Park, and with another new line-up for BP. With Eastleigh awash with players they very kindly lent us Dan and Toby D (their captain). This left a BP eleven to face an Eastleigh side of twelve.
BP started well, with AJ and Mike K opening the bowling, limiting Eastleigh to under four an over, and picking up wickets. A change in the bowling To Mike L & Abbas managed to reduce the run rate even further. At drinks (16 overs) Eastleigh had mustered 42 runs, and lost three wickets.
At this stage Mike L decided to take a grip on the game. After an excellent spell he finished with five wickets for seven runs, including two with his now trademark slow 'full toss yorker', that passes the batsman below waist height and loops unerringly onto the base of middle stump reminiscent of some deliveries of Daz Phillips several seasons ago, although at a much reduced speed compared to the sadly unavailable Burgess Road Express. Much more of this and Mike L will need his own catchy nickname.
The other bowlers should not be forgotten, with all six bowling well, and Abbas proving particularly difficult to score off. Eastleigh were never able to get going, even when the big hitters of Tshaka and Martyn P came in. The fielding was also excellent on a typically bumpy and unreliable Riverside pitch, and catches well held by many of the team, with Pete H, Abbas and Mike L particularly noteworthy.
The other highlight in BP's fielding was the 'performance' of Ethers as wickie and Simon at first slip (henceforth to be known as Statler (Simon) and Waldorf (Ethers)). They kept up a constant level of chatter in between some great keeping by Waldorf, and two catches by Statler. (Editor's note: Whilst the uninitiated might imagine Ben Stokes-esque swooping swallow dives from Simon at slip, the truth remains more enigmatic, involving the ball gently looping over the wickie's head into the grateful hands of Mr. Statler.)
Eastleigh finally succumbed in the 31st over of the agreed 35, when we took their eleventh wicket, and were all out for 86.
Surely even BP couldn't muck this up.(Ahem - ed:) Thirty-five overs to score eighty-seven runs is about 2.5 runs per over. The only way we could lose this would be to get bowled out. After one over BP were two for two (just like Australia - ed.).
As with just about every game this year we then had an injury, this time to Dennis, Eastleigh's wicketkeeper, who badly jarred his knee leaping to stop four wides, and had to retire. As he had played in the previous game for BP it seems that the injury jinx must have had a delayed action.
With BP struggling Statler stuck to his task, and when joined by his double act partner Waldorf things settled down. At drinks after 12 overs (cunningly taken early we note) BP were looking very comfortable, but as often happens after drinks we lost a wicket, in this case Statler for 17.
At this stage we only needed one run an over, but wickets were starting to look like a problem. When Waldorf fell for 13 we had the unusual sight of both teams' captains (Pete H and Toby from Eastleigh) batting together.
As the two skippers dug in and saw BP over the line with nine wickets down we should also pay tribute to one of our most reliable of performers, Mr Extras. He contributed 36 out of our total of 87, and scored more than double of any of our batsmen (again like Australia).
Weds 19th Aug OMCC Sports Centre (A)
Team 'selected': Toby, Pete T, Mike L, Howard, Adam, Martin K, Will, Finley, Pete H, Jon.
This game was called off due to rain on the day. It was replaced with a last-minute-arranged net at the Rose Bowl where we pretended to be proper cricketers.
Sat 22nd Aug Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team Pete H. Jon, Toby, Will, Finley, Martin K, Mike K, Matt S (Pilgrims), Martin P (EBC), Mole
With The Cavaliers a player short, and BP seemingly with twelve, our newest recruit Ashley kindly agreed to play for our opponents. With this agreed one of our players was unable to attend, and thus BP entered the match with ten. Pete H was proud at this point to award Martin P from Eastleigh Baptist Church (EBC) his BP badge having reached the required six matches for the club.
Things did not start well, and at the end of the first over we were two for two. The Cavaliers two guest players were proving a handful. We slipped to twenty for five, and all thoughts then turned to exceeding our lowest ever total of thirty-six.
Matt S and Finley offered hope, with Finley looking particularly impressive in reaching twenty-five. With Mike K chipping in as well, and some powerful hitting from Will (coming back in as number eleven) saw us all out for exactly one hundred. Probably not enough, but much more than we looked like getting for most of the match.
In reply we had to bowl well, so we did. Matt S gave nothing away and Martin P bowled fast and took an excellent caught and bowled. Will and Mike K then followed, and whilst The Cavaliers were looking good, wickets kept falling, with Mike K picking up three.
A couple of catches went down, but opportunities kept being made, and we held some of these.
With less than fifteen needed the Cavs were nine wickets down. At this point Tim played a couple of big shots in the air. On another day they may have gone to a fielder, and we might even have caught them (stranger things have happened), but in this case gaps were found and the Cavs were victorious.
Following multiple awards, including Matt S and Finley for BP, the champagne moment was announced. Sometimes this can be tricky to select. A great catch, a magic delivery, or a beautiful on drive (it could happen). Today however there was a standout moment. Adam played a lovely shot, and as it raced to the boundary his call of 'don't bother' in response to his partners call to run seemed both confident and fair enough. However, as the ball slowed down it became obvious that bothering to run was actually exactly what was required. Adam (and partner) hastily changed the plan of waiting for the boundary to one of running a single.
With the season at an end drinks were taken in the bar.
Up next, the dinner dance.
2015 Summary
Won 5
Lost 8
Drawn 0
Rain etc. 4
Weds 29th July OPCS Burridge Rec
2014 Season Review
Sat 3rd May Cavaliers
Due to a lack of available players for both Bitterne Park and our opponents, The Cavaliers, this match was cancelled.
Speculation that Bitterne Park were afraid they would be bowled out for even less than the 3 all out recently managed by Wirral Cricket Club has been strongly denied. Bitterne Park routinely score twenty or thirty in extras per game, and will always offer the same to our opponents.
Sat 10th May Eastleigh BC Riverside Park
Team selected - Jon, Toby, Will, Simon, Andy Day, Pete H, Ed, Phil Mills, Robin, Adam
It rained. Quite a lot.
Mon 19th May Mark Tong XI Sports Centre
Team selected - Jon, Toby, Mark Ath, Simon, Phil Moulin, Pete Hutch, Daz Philips, Daz Becket, Mike, Martin Kelly
And at the third attempt, we are off. Heavy traffic delayed many of the players, and we did not get underway until nearly 6.30. We agreed a sixteen overs game, up on pitch five at the Sports Centre.
Toby had clearly been waiting a while to get out and bat, and wasted no time in racing to his twenty-five. He was back in the pavilion (well, small metal shelter) before the third over was complete. Simon and Phil Moulin also got to their twenty-fives, with Bitterne Park grateful for three dropped catches by our opponents. A total of 112 was a decent enough score, with both sides still in the match.
In reply Daz P and Mike continued to work well together, something we had seen from them last year, with the score book twice showing 'bowled Daz, caught Mike'. Wickets also for Pete H and Jon. Sadly not quite enough, and the target we set was reached in the last over.
Sat 24th May Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team selected - Jon, Pete H, Simon, Ed, Phil Mills, Toby, Will, Andy Day, Martin Kelly, Mole
It rained again. In fact, it rained so much the game was called off on Friday.
Sat 31st May PilOccs Pilgrims School
Team selected - Toby, Pete H, Robin, Phil Mills, Pete E, Howard, James B, Jon
Despite being able to call up a new player in Howard, we were unable to get sufficient players to make this fixture viable. A net was a welcome, if poorly attended, alternative.
Sat 7th June Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team selected - Toby, Pete H, Jon, Mark Ath, Andy Day, Ed, Mike, Simon, Mole
With a quality side available (and Mole), Bitterne Park were confident going into the first test match of the season. It rained AGAIN.
It is so long now since some players actually featured in a match there is a danger they will forget how to play. This is doubly dangerous for us, as so few of our players know how to play to start with.
The next fixture could end up with us all just standing around in a field chatting, with no idea what to do. We had hoped those days were behind us.
Sat 21st June Cavaliers Pilgrims School
Team selected - Pete H, Mark A, Toby, Simon, Ed, Jono, Daz P, Mike, Martin K, Andy, Matt Shroff
A Saturday – A game of cricket is arranged – We have enough players – The Cavaliers even have enough players – It's been sunny for two weeks - Mr Bursar discovers that Pilgrims' School is experiencing a case of exeat (though whether this was 'pursued by a bear' your correspondent cannot say)
What could possibly go wrong? (Actually quite a lot)
Since there were initially only 5 Cavaliers the toss was immaterial Jon called Heads and Pete called Tails, so in theory we both won and lost. So the Cavs batted, and immediately met with the Swaythling Steamer and Mike-who hasn't-got-a nickname-yet. Before too long their quick bowling had reduced the Cavs to something for 3, and it was just as well that the remainder of the Cavaliers team hove into view in time.
Some sterling batting by Adam (proving the worth of BP winter nets) and Arvind (immediately picked for the next BP game) held things up for a while, but did not progress the scoring at the same alarming rate which we are used to when playing the neo-professionals employed by the PilOccs on the same ground. It was quite a pleasant change for each of our bowlers to run up facing normal batting and not fearing for our lives from blistering straight drives each time.
After the allotted 30 overs, the Cavs had scored 119, which probably wasn't quite enough, but we didn't worry about minor things like that because there was a tray of cakes helpfully left over from a party. Well, somebody had to eat them didn't they?
It was at this point that our noble Batting Captain proved his experience and cunning. Knowing that Mark Ath injured himself on this very ground a year ago and fearing the same thing again he chose for Mark's opening partner one who had the two prime qualities of a runner, namely being quick and being guaranteed not to bat very long, thus making him available to take up Mark's running duties. Pete Hutch was back in the eponymous hutch after the regulation 3 balls, allowing Toby to join Mark in setting about knocking off the runs.
Mark duly called for the runner and after a bit of that nonsense retired on 40, allowing Toby (51 not out) and Simon (just about the rest of the runs) to reach the total in 15 overs.
Retirement to the Black Boy ensued, and we remembered why we like playing cricket.
Wed 25th June OMCC Sports Centre
Team selected - Toby, Pete H, Simon, Daz P, Daz B, Howard, Mike, Ethers ( promoted from the Colts), Arvind, Jon, Will
Stat attack
The first in a new feature in which BPs Daz 'stato' Phillips brings you all the numbers you could wish for, and a few you wished he had kept quiet about.
- Toby Whale will be playing his 200th game for BP in this match
- Will Whale is 11 runs away from 1500 for BP
- Howard makes his debut, and becomes the 186th player to appear for BP
- Jon and Will Whale are battling away to hit 200 wickets for the club. Jon is on 187, and Will is on 189
- Daz P is 6 away from 100 wickets for BP
Made up stat that could be true - Will Whale is 2 run outs away from causing 200 BP run outs. Only twice has he been run out himself. You have been warned!
After our first victory in what has been a slow starting season, the team were confident of putting in a good performance against OMCC. Twenty overs per side, and OMCC batted first.
In keeping with just about every game we have played against OMCC, both of their openers got to 25 quickly, and then retired. In future we could all save ourselves a bit of time by not bothering with the first seven overs, and just putting fifty for nought up on the scoreboard when they bat.
Pete H managed to take a couple of wickets, including one via a great catch by Daz Beckett. Good to have the big man back in the team. We are set an imposing 154 to win.
Toby and both Daz's (we do need to come up with a collective noun for Daz's) ((Editor's Note: with the expected departure of Phillips of that ilk in the close season we will no longer need such a collective noun)) each got twenties, but we only managed 97 in our twenty overs, losing four wickets on the way.
It was still good to get another game under our belts, and to introduce Howard to the team. Retirement to the refurbished 'Pub in the Park' (wot, no Sky telly?') was a welcome end to the evening.
Sat 5th July West End Riverside Park
Overnight rain caused this game to be called off, which was disappointing as the weather was fine all afternoon. Apologies to Andy & Adam who didn't get the cancellation message.
Wed 9th July The Vine Bursledon Rec
Team: Jono, Toby, Will, Arvind, Howard, Pete H, Simon, Daz P Daz B, Mike, Paul Neal. 12th man Martyn Peagram
Stat attack
The latest from Daz 'stato' Phillips book of cricketing facts.
- Andy Day is one four away from his 50th four for Bitterne Park
- Jon is one innings away from his 200th for BP
- Jon (187) and Will (189) continue there battle to 200 wickets for BP
There was something strange about this Wednesday evening; many strange things in fact. Primarily the weather was fine all day leaving us in no doubt that the new and hopefully improved system for cancellation notice would not be needed. (Humble apologies for the multiple negatives in that sentence)
Then, with a few hours to go, instead of players dropping out as per normal, a twelfth player was asking to be admitted.
Finally, on arriving at the ground it was...warm, well, warmish. For Bursledon Rec that is, and it was BP who had 11 players, fit-ish and raring-ish to go, with The Vine scrabbling round on their mobile phones for extra players.
With all these unusual portents surely BP would break their duck and finally beat The Vine?
Surely?
Surely?
How cruelly is the delicate flower of optimism crushed underfoot by the hobnails of circumstance!
BP fielded first and despite bowling pretty well and fielding pretty well, a suspiciously large number of balls looped in the air just evading fielders, and rather too long was spent rummaging around in the nettley undergrowth (not the 'Netley Undergrowth, which is an organization meriting the attentions of certain of our number in their professional capacity) looking for the ball. Perhaps insufficient oblations had been made to the god of Bursledon Rec (possibly in the form of libations taken at The Vine Inn). Perhaps not.
The Vine scored 94 in their 18 overs, over 5 per over, easy enough you would think, but alas, not easy enough, even with a 25 retired from Will (amazingly not running anyone out this time) – he'll doubtless refuse to bat all season now to protect his average, though given the amount of rain he might not get another bat..
With one over to go of BP's innings, an unlikely 23 to win being required and Messrs Duckworth & Lewis not on hand the Vine brought on their secret weapon – an 8 year old lad. Cunning because there is no way to win in this situation, either you cynically clatter his best efforts off the field, thus ruining forever one of England cricket's brightest future hopes, or you fail to do so and are thus embarrassed. The BP batsmen took a third way, missing the ball completely and running as many wides as possible, ending up 12 short.
At least there was a nice curry at the pub afterwards.
Sun 13th July Bitterne CC Sports Centre
Team selected - Toby, Simon, Will, Phil Moulin, Jon, Martin Kelly, Howard, Matt S, Arvind, Mole
A first for Bitterne Park, with a local derby against new opponents Bitterne CC. Sadly Bitterne were unable to raise a team, a position Bitterne Park are all too familiar with. Perhaps its something in the water down at Riverside Park?
Thurs 17th July Museums Sports Centre
Team selected: Jon, Daz P, Mike, Adam, Howard, Simon, Martin K, Mark Ath, and featuring Richard & Faisal
The sun high and hot in the Southampton Sun as the 8 BP players climbed their way to pitch 5 at the Sports Centre. Jono greeted the teams with the news of two late pull-outs from the 10 man team, one of which (Mr Moulin) had chosen to fly to Hong Kong rather than turn out for the team (where’s the loyalty!), leaving us with looking weak in the bowling department. Thankfully Michael Kearns had called on 2 mates to turn out to bolster then numbers, Faisal and Richard being the 187 and 188th players to turn out for our illustrious club.
BP went out to field and the Museums openers got off to a very good start both retiring at their 25’s. Jono used one of his wild cards, throwing the ball to the Faisal who it transpired had not played in 2 years. His first over was fast and straight, with Simon doing well in keeping behind the stumps as the batsmen played and missed. Jono played his second wild card and bought Richard on at the other end, playing his first game in 6 years! His first over was typical BP as it included 3 wides and 2 no balls for beamers. What was untypical for BP was that it was quick and concluded with bowling the batsman with a well pitch up delivery. These two carried on taking 3 wickets between them and sending Simon sprawling around to field behind the stumps, although even he could not do anything to stop a ball that flew over his head bouncing once before going for 4 byes!
Jono, Adam and Mike chipped in with wickets at the end of the innings, but museums made a respectable 115 - 8
BP started off slowly with the bat and lost 2 wickets quickly. Adam, fresh from his knock against us for the Cavaliers, came out at number 4 and promptly hit the first ball for six down the ground. Joined by another of our new members, Howard , they pushed the ball around well and put on a good partnership together, although so many of their good shots went straight to fielders. Adam retired on 26 and Howard for a well fought 19. Despite the efforts of the lower order, BP only managed 98 in their 18 overs.
BP retired to the watering hole, to drown their sorrows, while agreeing that Richard and Faisial should play for us again! Senior members of the team were instructed to surround Mr Kelly so that we would avoid the unsavoury tapping up incident of a few years ago, while warning the two debutants of the rather dodgy nature of the Pilgrims' team and the dungeons at Pilgrims' School where those who didn’t quite achieve for Pilgrims' are kept and tortured, never to be seen of again! It is rumoured that this is where Will has been all season, after a behind the scenes deal between Mole and Martin in the pre-season! It should be noted that BP have not had a run out all season, could this be due to Will’s absence?
Sat 26th July Cavaliers Riverside Park
Team selected: Jon, Daz P, Daz B Simon, Ed, Toby, Pete H, Robin, Richard, Howard, Mole
On a hot and humid afternoon BP returned to Riverside Park hoping to beat the Cavaliers, and thus reclaim the Ashes. A negotiated toss resulted in the Cavaliers batting first, with BP fielding as we had a full eleven at the start of play. Arvind and James opened the batting for Cavaliers. BP were glad to see James back in the pavilion relatively quickly, as he can prove a tricky customer, and pleased with a controlled start.
Richard came onto bowl, and accounted for Tom in an opening over of genuine pace. Adam joined Arvind in the middle, and played sensibly on a wicket that was fast and had uneven bounce.
Keeping wicket was proving a bit of a lottery, and sure enough it eventually did more that just add a few byes to the score. A delivery from Richard bounced and all Toby could do was push the ball into his face. After running repairs Toby was able to carry on, now sporting a nasty looking red cut below the eye.
Drinks were taken, and upon returning to the field BP knew we needed to break this partnership if we were to be chasing less than 150. Luckily Arvind got underneath one and sent it spiraling in the air which Mole was able to hang onto.
Once Adam fell to a clever slower ball from Daz P (a tactic Ed had proposed) BP were looking good to run through the Cavaliers line-up. However, BP just don't do cricket that way. Five catches of varying degrees of difficulty went to ground, and whist none were howlers, we would normally expect to take at least two of them. Runs continued to accumulate, with the wickets uneven bounce leading to a few byes.
Paul Neal came in to bat for the last over, having been press-ganged into playing for the Cavaliers when he innocently popped down to watch, and hit the second ball he faced for six.
A couple of missed run-outs, including one with both batsmen stood at one end, and the Cavaliers posted 133. A par score at Riverside. With a fast outfield and uneven bounce in the wicket it was hard to judge if this was either too few or more than enough.
In reply BP opened with Toby and Daz B. After a steady start Daz B was bowled by one from Adam that turned. Adam seems to have gained more than most by spending time in the BP nets over the winter. Shame he's mostly playing against us.
Simon arrived and soon started to hit his trademark flat fours. With BP looking well set Toby reached his fifty and retired. Most of the BP squad expected some sort of collapse at this point, but Ed had not picked up on the signs, smacking the first ball he faced for four. Simon and Ed finished on 30 n.o. and 29 n.o. respectively, with victory secured with ten overs to spare.
A brief awards ceremony honoured a great father and son batting combination for The Cavaliers, whilst for BP Richard got man of the match for his bowling. Jon picked up the champagne moment for a lovely piece of footwork on the boundary to save a certain four.
Tony K handed over the Ashes trophy to Pete H (he claimed he was just loaning it to us) before someone remembered that the pubs were open, and it was off to The Hop Inn beer garden for drinks and snacks.
Wed 30th July OPCS Burridge Rec
Team selected: Simon, Pete T, Pete H, Daz P Arvind, Richard, Andy Day, Ostin, Toby, Paul Neal, Martin Pegram, Mike L
Fresh after the wresting back of the Ashes from the Cavaliers, a much changed BPCC team strode/hobbled purposefully onto the sunlit pitch at Burridge, still unsure exactly what our opponents acronym, OPCS stands for, and we were still none the wiser at the end! Wily skipper Pete H. not only won the toss, but also ensured that we had twelve players (is this another record, Statto?! ), to wear the opposition down with.
The skipper was perhaps a little concerned that his bold decision to bat first would backfire when Toby and Simon both departed for early ducks (quack, quack!), but the unruffled Arvind and very direct Richard, who was making his maiden innings for BPCC, steadied the ship, setting a good platform for others. Richard fell for 24, but some typically imperious batting from Pete T (26 retired), aided by further swashbuckling knocks from Andy D. (18) and Ostin (25 retired) sent the scoreboard rattling along nicely. Cameos from Paul Neal and Martin (who usually plays for Eastleigh), meant that BP finished with a very respectable 137 from twenty overs.
The OPCS form of defence was to attack from the off, and both their openers made fairly rapid 25’s (retired). Undaunted however, BPCC turned things around quite quickly with some brilliant fielding, great pace bowling from Pete T. and Richard, and a very impressive spell of spin (yes, real spin!) from our fourth debutant of the season, Mike L. Mike deservedly picked up a wicket via a great running catch from Martin, and there were no less than three stunning runout throws from Pete T., Ostin and Richard respectively, to demolish the middle order. As the sun set slowly in the West (Ooaar), Richard (3 wickets) and Andy D. then proceeded to polish off the tail, giving BP a comfortable win by 22 runs. A really creditable win against decent opponents keeps our 100% record against them intact. Bring on Eastleigh (sorry, Martin!).
Sat 9th Aug Eastleigh BC Riverside Park
Team selected: Pete H, Daz P, Mike, Faisal, Matt S, Arvind, Jon, Robin, Mole
BP are always pushing the boundaries of cricket, although sadly rarely scoring them. After two victories it would be logical to select an unchanged team, so we were having none of that. A very different team was selected (i.e. available), and then changed on the day, with two players having to drop out (Ostin and Martin Stephens), and Robin coming into the side.
Having had five hours of heavy rain the night before BP were glad to field first, and were even more pleased when Eastleigh loaned us a couple of fielders whilst we awaited the last couple of our squad to arrive.
The pitch played as expected, and boundaries proved difficult to obtain. After fifteen overs Eastleigh were on forty-six, and the plan to restrict them to under a hundred was on. However, we all know about BP and plans.
In our last match Martin Peagram played for us, and made a tidy score. This was no fluke, and when he joined Eastleigh captain Toby in the middle the runs really started to flow. BP swapped bowlers around but could not put the brakes on.
There were notable performances in the field for BP. Fiasal bowled with real pace, Matt S took a stumping in his first match as wicketkeeper and Arvind picked up two wickets in a tidy spell. Eastleigh finished on 149 despite Daz B taking one of those caught and bowled where there is a long gap between the bowled bit and the caught bit. He managed to hold on to the ball even after it went so high Mole thought he might amble over to have a go at this 'catching' stuff he had heard so much about. Sometimes these things work out when it's your day, and it definitely turned out to be Daz P's day.
Chasing 150 we opted for a new opening pair, with Jon coming out to bat with Daz P, in the hope that Jon would hold up one end and allow Daz and others to play around him. After seeing off the new ball Jon was dismissed and Daz P joined by Arvind.
Runs were scored but it was hard going against Eastleigh's accurate attack, and we were always behind the run rate. Arvind and Daz P stuck at it, and Daz was mightily surprised to hear a roar from the crowd (OK, three BP players on the boundary) that signalled his maiden fifty.
Daz finished on 57, and Arvind on 41, both falling whilst trying to up the run-rate. Matt S came in and hit a rapid 20 before falling the same way. Mike and Robin ran some very quick twos, but we ended up just short on 142. Daz finished a day to remember by coming on to field for Eastleigh and immediately taking a catch.
A commendable effort against a very good Eastleigh team who as usual were sporting on the field and good company in the Hop Inn afterwards. We look forward to playing them again later in the season.
Wed 13th Aug OMCC Sports Centre
Team selected: Pete H, Andy D, Daz B, Daz P, Mike K, Richard, Arvind, Paul N, Mike L, Phil Mills, Martin Stephens
Another quiet evening at the Sports Centre, and amazingly another game when more than the expected number of players turned up.
Another potential new player showed up to watch, drawn in by the glittering allure of our web presence, and we look forward to Hardeep playing his first game for us in due course.
BP batted first, and Andy Day and Richard got us off to a great start, and we were 52 for 1 off of four overs. Our new recruits continued to impress, with Mike L batting (and bowling) well. We posted 120 for the loss of six wickets, which looked a little short of par for the small Sports Centre pitch.
OMCC have in the past knocked such a score off, but a strong BP team held firm, and they finished 15 runs short. Three wins out of four, and BP are in fine form for our next match against the Matt Leggatt XI.
Sat 23rd Aug Matt Leggatt XI Riverside Park
Team selected: Pete H, Jon, Mike K, Richard, Howard, Pete E, Arvind, Robin, Adam, Mole
The Sports Centre was an unusually quiet venue for our match against the Matt Leggatt XI. With our opponents starting the match with eight players we agreed to let them take Adam from our ten, thus making it a nine-a-side match. This was the first in a number of changes to teams for this match, most of which involved the highly adaptable Adam.
BP batted first, with Richard opening with Arvind. We got off to a great start, with Richard particularly scoring quickly. After he fell for 31 the scoring rate dropped slightly, with the Matt L XI bowling some tight overs. They were helped when a further player arrived, meaning they now had ten on the field.
Arvind scored a fine 41, but wickets fell steadily, and we finished on 129 from the thirty overs. Credit to Adam for a fine catch to dismiss Jon, and to our opponents in general, whose ground fielding was excellent.
At tea our opponents agreed that Adam could field for us, and that when he was batting for them they would provide us with a substitute fielder. This was when things started to get really complicated.
The Matt L XI started well, but got pinned back by Richard, off whom they struggled to score. Mike K then produced a lovely spell, which included a double wicket maiden. He finished with four for twenty-four, including the wicket of Adam, who by this stage had stopped fielding for us and gone and batted for our opponents. BP were looking well set.
During this period of play numerous team changes took place. Adam went from fielding and bowling for us, to batting for the opposition, before returning to field and keep wicket for us. As agreed we were lent a fielder whilst Adam batted, with at one stage one of the umpires switching to substitute fielder so the sub fielder could go and pad up. We also dropped down to nine players, with Arvind having to retire injured.
Overs ticked by, and the score crept up. After the loss of the early wickets the required rate of five an over looking very tough, but they kept up with it. With bowlers rather thin on the ground for BP Howard bravely stepped up to bowl, and promptly took a wicket in his first over.
Taking a wicket in your first BP over is a bit of a tradition, as indeed is calling a player back if they have been given out in error. Jon took the opportunity to put the latter into practise when one of our opponents was given out lbw. The correct thing to do, even though it could prove costly.
Needing twenty from the final four overs BP brought back Richard, and a tight over put BP back as slight favourites. Jon also kept things tight bowling from the other end. Needing a boundary of the last ball to tie they could only find Robin in the deep, and the match was ours by two runs.
A very tough and close run match that was packed with incident. Adam finished not knowing if he had won or lost, given his contributions to both sides. It was definitely time for a beer.
Wed 27th Aug St Cross House Sports Centre
Team selected: Pete H, Pete T, Andy Day, Daz P, Phil Moulin, Phil Mills, Ed, Richard, Howard, Martin Kelly, Mole
It rained all day the Monday before this game (well, it was a bank holiday), and most of the Tuesday as well. Wednesday was better, but it was no surprise the game was called off.. What was particularly galling was that the following day had a beautifully sunny evening - just perfect for cricket. The fixture secretary should clea his crystal ball.
Sat 6th Sept PilOccs Pilgrims School
Team selected: Pete H, Mark Ath, Phil Moulin, Simon, AJ, Daz P, Daz B, Richard, Ostin, Mole
The early September game against Pilgrims is always one BP players look forward too, if only to see what new recruits Pilgrims has added to their staff this year. They did not disappoint, rolling up with a number of new players who all looked like they might be rather good, and were certainly a lot younger that the 'experienced' side BP largely is these days. Whilst we are not party to the recruitment process within the school, it does seem increasingly likely that it includes a cricket net.
Batting first Mark Ath and Ostin got us off to a great start, and we were on 28 from the first 3 overs. Mark survived a number of close calls, being dropped and very nearly stumped on the way to 31, at which point he retired.
Other batsman were having less luck than Mark, with Daz B being out hit wicket, or rather 'destroyed wicket', and Phil Moulin being bowled off both his glove and pads. Given the language that came from the pavilion following his dismissal it was safe to assume Phil was less than happy to get out in this way.
BPs innings slowed as the wickets fell. AJ hit a fine 25 not out, and Mark had to go back in and add another 11 to his score before being run out. There was just time for Richard to go back in, batting again as we only had 10 players. He finished the innings with a 4, resulting in a total of 157. Hardly a mountain to climb on the rather small Pilgrims pitch, particularly given the PilOccs usual form.
Pilgrims started quickly, but lost wickets, with Ostin particularly leading the way. Five wickets down and with less than fifty on the board Pilgrims were struggling, but still had plenty of time to bat. They also seemed to have a rather long batting line-up, with Matt S coming in at nine. This a player who has opened for BP in the past.
In these circumstances you really need to hold your catches, as if Pilgrims could bat all of their overs they were on course to win. Things did not look good when AJ and Daz P both went for the same difficult catch and collided. Both luckily unhurt, but the ball dropped humorously between them.
Things were looking better behind the stumps. BP continued with this seasons rotation of wicketkeepers during the match, and father and son team AJ and Simon both took catches whilst keeping.
The pick of the catches however was from one of our regular taker of great catches; Mr Daz Beckett. This time it was to a ball smashed back over the bowlers head. With most of us thinking 'that looks like a six' Daz ran around the boundary and took the ball at shoulder height, and a bit behind him.
Pilgrims continued to make inroads, but wickets were running out. Their retired batsman came back in with thirty still needed, and decided to see if he could smash them over the finishing line. A good tactic, but when he picked out Daz B at point it was all over.
Martin as usual was magnanimous in defeat, and for the first time ever BP took possession of the Sea Shell Trophy. All that was left was a welcome drink in the Black Boy.
Sat 13th Sept Eastleigh BC Cheriton
Team: Jon, Toby, Richard J. Hardeep, Daz B, Simon, Pete H, Ed, Robin, Howard, Andrew W.
From first to last it was a day of firsts and of lasts. Being the last game of the season, and with the municipal pitches thus closed to us for the all-embracing footy season – we had already been moved from pitches on two occasions in August to “prepare the pitches for football”- we removed to the lovely setting of Cheriton CC, which despite a prolonged dry spell was verdant as ever.
After quite a wait Hardeep played his first match for us, and this coincided with Daz P's last game before he marries in November and moves away. After 11 seasons in the team he will leave a large hole in the bowling department, and a growing one in the batting. There is a joke about an Aylesbury Duck here, but I can't quite work it out. Some might suggest that the fine venues for these last two games may have been cunningly selected to appeal to him to encourage him to stay, if so that ploy has failed. When his fiancée turned up during the match a plan was briefly entertained of kidnapping her and holding her to ransom against his continued play for us, but this did seem a bit excessive.
As is normal in our games there were not 22 players; this time it was Eastleigh who were short, so the usual negotiations about player loans in the manner of the Premier League were made and the game started, Toby and Richard opening the batting and putting on an excellent stand before Richard's chances of a 50 were torpedoed by his team mates telling him the landmark was getting near, when upon he was out.
A succession of BP batsmen followed, including a brisk 17 from débutant Hardeep and Ed showing us that the reports of his imminent demise are greatly exaggerated by his playing two weeks in a row (though what he was like next day your correspondent cannot say). Toby eventually retired for a grafting 51 around the 25th over, having scored just 1 four. This was Toby's 3rd fifty of the season and has scored a 50 in 3 out of the last 4 seasons. The fact that he was dropped about five times on the way to this milestone shall be quietly ignored. Robin was the only BP batsman who managed to extract a catch from a bona fide Eastleigh player, and that first ball. The unfortunate Swaythling Steamer managed to chip his offering to Howard, fielding for the opponents, who of course, pouched it.
A succession of BP batsmen followed, including a brisk 17 from débutant Hardeep and Ed showing us that the reports of his imminent demise are greatly exaggerated by his playing two weeks in a row (though what he was like next day your correspondent cannot say). Toby eventually retired for a grafting 51 around the 25th over, having scored just 1 four. This was Toby's 3rd fifty of the season and has scored a 50 in 3 out of the last 4 seasons. The fact that he was dropped about five times on the way to this milestone shall be quietly ignored. Robin was the only BP batsman who managed to extract a catch from a bona fide Eastleigh player, and that first ball. The unfortunate Swaythling Steamer managed to chip his offering to Howard, fielding for the opponents, who of course, pouched it.
On paper the BP total of 159 didn't look particularly high, but as the game was on grass this was a different matter. The main problem facing the team now was how to avoid eating too much during the interval as everyone unpacked the bring-and-share tea. Ideally we would have bowled first so that the bowlers could do more justice to the spread, but bravely we walked out to field, our tummies only sloshing slightly with tea.
However, it seemed that the tea had more of an effect on the Eastleigh batsmen, or possibly it was the sticky wicket, or possibly the excellent (sic) BP bowling, as Eastleigh were restricted to 32/4 off 11 overs, with Andrew and Daz sharing the initial wickets.
One sad aspect of this season has been the loss of our long time wickie Dave, though he himself was there to turn the numbers over and regale us with horror stories about his operations, and consequently his duties have been shared out quite widely. This time Jon took the first half of the innings, before swapping with Simon, causing your correspondent to assume naively that Jon would then be available for bowling duties and making his calculations accordingly. Imagine my surprise when I saw him leaving the ground, bag over shoulder, whistling gaily on his way to a barbecue in the time honoured manner of Rocket Ron (actually it was a barn dance, but why spoil a good simile?). Surely the carpet slippers are calling at the Dinner Dance
However Jon's “bowling” was not needed, as Hardeep took his first couple of wickets on his debut, Richard picking up two victims, and Howard delighting us with 2 overs of “left-arm spin” that bamboozled the batsmen, and the keeper as well, Eastleigh were dismissed in time to go to the Flower Pots pub for beer and more of the left-over sandwiches.
A season which started with a game called off for insufficient players, continued through several cancellations due to rain, ended up with BP winning a flurry of 6 of the last 7 games; making the final score Won 7, Lost 5, Rain 5, Other cancellations 3. Our appetites are whetted for the Dinner Dance, and after that...next season.
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