2019 Season Review

Season summary (for those who can't be bothered to read our stunning prose) - After seventeen games we have four wins in the bag.  Four more have been lost to the joys of the English summer (otherwise known as rained off). 

We also have a rare century!  See game twelve match report for full details.

Game 1 - Wednesday 15 May at Sports Centre v St Cross House

Game 2 - Saturday 18th May at Riverside Park v Cavaliers

Game  3  Wednesday 29th May v Deportivo  - Rained off

Game 4  Saturday 1st June at Riverside v Cavaliers

Game 5  Wednesday 5th June at the Sports Centre v OMCC

Team - O'Mike, Will, Simon, Pete T, Daz, AJ, Barry, Howard, Pete H, Jono, Pete E, Robin (looks suspiciously, and unusually, like 12)

Boosted by victory on Saturday BP were off to the Sports Centre to play OMCC.  We got off to a flyer.  Other Mike raced to 27 and retired.  Will went one better and reached 28 before he also stepped aside.  Not to be outdone Simon hit 25 and also retired. 

Daz reached double figures in his first game of the season but witnessed two rare events at the other end.  Pete T was out stumped, which cannot often have happened.  AJ was then runout, which is unheard of.  This is a man who can run three when most of us struggle to complete a quick single.

Now OMCC are masters of the run chase up on the smaller Sports Centre pitches but we got an early breakthrough, with Jon getting one of the openners for single figures in a spell of 1 for 16 off of 4.  O Mike got the other opener, finishing with 1 for 9 of 3. 

Sadly we could not get their numbers 3 and 4 out with both making 25 and sending us home empty handed. 

Game  6  Saturday 8th June v Christchurch  - Rained off

Game 7  Saturday 29th June at Riverside Park v Christchurch

Mark Ath, Milo, Simon, Will, Daz, Howard, AJ, Josh (debut), Pete H, Robin

Summer finally arrived and it was a scorching day at Riverside Park. With Perks out injured Mark Ath did some keeping and took a catch, although he's still not sure where exactly he caught it. Howard pulled off a more othodox and indeed rather spectacular catch, with Simon and AJ also getting in on the act.  On debut Josh proved a valuable addition in the field.

Christchurch ended up scoring a decent but not intimidating 134. In reply we lost early wickets but Simon and Milo pushed us on.  Milo retired on 28 which included a lovely six. Simon batted well and was eventually dismissed for 16.  AJ hit a useful 10 and Josh also got some runs on debut, but wickets kept falling. Milo went back in but sadly no-one could stay with him and we were all out for 95. A good effort against a strong Christchurch side featuring several useful 'guest' players. 

Game 8  Wednesday 3rd July at the Sports Centre v Shirley CC

Finley, O Mike, Simon, Will, Pete T, Andy J, James V, Daz, Milo, AJ, Ethers

BPCC's recent games against Shirley have been exciting and close - this one was no different. With Pete not playing, the team was lead by Will, and Shirley chose to bat first at the Sports Centre.

Their opening batsmen were strong and our early bowlers came under pressure as they raced to 50 + off 7 overs. Will then bought on O'Mike and Finley, and BP started to fight back. O'Mike got the first wicket caught behind by Simon, then bowled their number 3. The fielding was good and before long O'M got a third wicket. 

Milo then came onto bowl and got a wicket well caught in the covers by Will. O'M then got a fourth caught by Finley, before with the last ball of his spell, the ball was skied to Milo who caught it and in true Enid Blyton style, O'M had a famous five. AJ saved many runs with his fielding.

Milo then got a run out and Shirley finished their 20 overs on 121.

BP replied with Finley and Milo and both hit great shots to get us to 35 off 6 overs. Simon then came in and was joined by O'M and the score was 60 at the half way point. Pressure was on by a tight bowling attack, and when O"M and Will fell in a couple of overs, the momentum swung. BP kept going and with everyone contributing down the order reached 113 when the overs ran out.

So close.    

Game 9  Wednesday 10th July at the Sports Centre v Museums

O Mike, Pete H, Will, Milo, Daz, Andy J, Josh, James V, Robin, Jon, Arvind

BPCC took an unconventional approach to this game by turning up with 11 players - we'd heard that other teams sometimes tried this tactic and thought we'd give it a go. The Museums are always tough opposition and their openers attacked from the first ball. We were on the larger plateau pitch so boundaries were short. They raced to 40 off 5 overs but BP were fielding well with Josh and James V to the fore. Milo came on and the scoring rate slowed as he bowled well with Will the other end. O'Mike took the first Wicket then Jono got 3 and James V grabbed a smart run out. After 20 overs, they posted a pretty formidable looking 145.

BP then batted with O'Mike and Milo, and from the first over, looked to attack. Great shots from both of them saw us pass 50 after 6 overs, including one six from Milo that cleared the boundary by so far that it was cleanly caught by Will Morris as he attempted a fast descent on the ski slope. Great hands that family......

Milo was then caught on the boundary, and Will came in and hit a rapid 20 so much so that we found ourselves on 97 after 10. O'M retired on 25, and Arvind played beautifully to anchor the innings. Pete H then came in and kept up the momentum with clean hitting before Andy J came in a hit a great 17 no to take us home with 2 overs to spare.

An amazing team effort - and a great run chase.     

Game 10  Saturday 13th July at Riverside Park v The Cavaliers

Mark Ath, Finley, Simon, Will, Howard, Milo, Robin, Pete H, Jon , Dave P! Yes, Dave P!

So, with the score at 1-1, this was the decisive test of the series at a bakingly hot Riverside Park. BPCC had a plucky 9 players, while the Cavs were at full strength. BP batted first and Finley was unlucky to be bowled by a ball from Matt that didn't bounce. This bought Simon to the crease to join Mark and they both batted beautifully on a tricky wicket. Mark made 27 before being caught in the covers, and Milo hit a couple of quick boundaries before being the first of several wickets for the flighty Richard.

At drinks , it was nicely poised at 67 for 3, Robin having joined Simon. This pair grabbed every chance to score and we moved onto 90 before Robin was bowled. Jono then joined Simon and immediately interested the drugs testing unit by hitting quick boundaries. Despite sledging ( from his own side) , he and Simon took the score to 140 in the 26 over. Will then came in and he and Simon lead us to a competitive 156 with Simon completeing an excellent 50 in the final over. A great innings from our very own Zen master.

Cavs then started their reply and Dave Perks made a heroic return as wicketkeeper. Arvind and Duncan scored regularly, until Finley bowled Duncan with a brilliant fast yorker. Arvind was then run out by Robin and Will got danger man Suneet with a great slower ball, excellently caught by Howard. At half way, the scores were close but with Finley who got 3 , and Milo bowling fast , the Cavs were losing wickets. They passed 100 with about 10 overs to go, but with the fast outfield, well hit shots were often going for four. Milo then bowled the dangerous Barath, and they were 30 short with 5 to go. It was so close but in the end, their last pair scored the winning runs off the penultimate ball.

A defeat but so much for both sides to be proud off Dave Perks received the champagne moment for his comeback and a month's pass for BUPA.  

Game 11  Wednesday 24th July at the Sports Centre v OMCC

Team - O Mike, Finley, Pete T, James V, Will, Milo, Andy J, Pete H (team tbc)

Coming soon... 

Game 12  Saturday 27th July at Riverside Park v Eastleigh BC

Team - Finley, Milo, Will, Jon, O Mike, Howard, Mark Ath, Andy J, Pete H, Robin, Jamie

Well...that was a day of firsts and in some way lasts...

Eastleigh Baptist. A nice team made up of young guns and some wily old timers. The first of the first was the arrival of new Jamie ...a solid nice chap who had found us through the website ...we were amazed ...that level of encryption and he gets through...

We were put into bat and our tanks rolled...Finley and "Gentleman Mark Atherton." Eastleigh were no mugs and rotated bowlers, all who gave some chances to score but also were accurate and clever...another first. Suddenly Finley's feet started moving, his head was still and his bat sang....shots flew from him like crisps falling onto a Hop Inn table. He found timing, running and power...this looked to be the day of days ... Mark played as he always does, calmly, cool and with aplomb... Where he put the plum we don't know.

Eastleigh attacked with different fields and also younger quicker bowlers ...Finley looked unphased, yes they dropped him a few times but the shots he played were hard and fast, never easy ... he was at fifty and it felt like we had only just started the game ...

Roll your eyes round the pitch, the weather was fine , BP stood together enjoying the event, Finley and Mark made calm work of the bowling and the word victory started to whisper to us in the summer breeze....calm ...a long way to go...

Drinks taken and onwards we moved, off the beach-head...Finley moved from dancer to warrior ...he smashed fours and sixes, took bowlers on and never missed a beat ...we then had a moment why we know we are a great team with great people ...Mark called time on his innings and after a brilliant 30....he said he was tired, he said he was out of sorts, he said a lot...we ALL knew he walked to give others a chance to bat...that is why we are so lucky to play in this team with that level of kindness...

Other Mike walked in and looked the real deal as he always does...the bat in his hands is a thing of beauty and power ...his first shot with a full bloodied front foot drive for four and one could see Eastleigh's heart sink...Finley carried on his dance, fours sixes and twos, surely this might be the day

Mike left us after getting a "Riverside special " a ball that bounces mid way down the wicket and rolls at ankle length onto the stumps ....

Andy arrived, chains and medallions clanking....clearly ready to rock but went with a good ball, during this time Finley danced on ...the score didn't tick over it rolled, and rolled ...Jamie came in and scored a few, relieved to be off the mark with his new team, we were all pleased for him ...

Milo ...tall agile and with a bat that says ..." I have issues with this ball and I intend to escort it from the field of play" ...The Whale boys together can be and were destructive...Milo brought outright aggression to the wicket and took the straight ball on and dispatched it ...another first then rang around the field of play...Finley ran a single and suddenly we were all calling and cheering...100 ...100 ...we had a centurion...again this is why we play...opponents clapped and Finley looked so happy, nothing showy, just raised his bat, smiled and got to work...

Milo went to work ... a few overs left and Finley walked back to his team mates ...not out, undefeated and so pleased ....OK he could play in a good club side but he wants to be with us, he likes the cricket, he likes the people and that's a great thing ..

Robin had come out with some serious running and was unlucky to get run out at the non striker's end ...last ball of the innings saw Milo on 47 ...word has there was some discussion on the side lines whether to tell him to hit out, Jono rightly pointed out that he actually had been hitting out anyway so would it change anything ? Wise words as usual ...

Milo finished on 47 not out, he missed getting his first 50.

What an innings, we finished on 220 odd...this was our time, it must be.

Eastleigh didn't roll over, their openers got to work and played they expected to chase this down ...a great tactic....

Tidy stuff from Jono quietened them, Other Mike bowled like he always does, unswerving length, nagging to the batsman, this was a prize fight and we had them on the canvas a few times. Robin who seems to know numbers like Will knows his crisps wandered past and updated on the current run rate required. Things were looking good.

Finley took his regulation good catch, Jamie bowled...some good stuff there ...

Another first saw Jono in the inner circle rather than out in the heat haze ...he took a great catch ...

Mark Ath's day was rewarded as wikkie when he stumped two people and on the second time the square leg umpire was actually paying attention ...

Howard ...given the ball ...30 overs of umpiring, a cat in the field , his time ...

Eastleigh had some form player doing damage and making us jumpy...Howard bowls a Riverside special ....nailed his wicket on the third bounce....You're welcome !!! the best thing is Howard's celebration ...pure joy ...he deserved that ...he then bags another as Other Mike finds redemption with a fine catch and then a stumping ...

Well done Howard ..He also gave us a fine honey badger display when he shared a few opinions with a vocal member of the opposition. Handbags were not even opened in this momentary interlude but naturally we enjoyed the event and talked it up in the pub to levels far above what actually happened. Robin bowled and although the majority of his run up was at right angles to the wicket , he bowled some good stuff...

Milo bowled... that boy is fast...Eastleigh were down and out ...we only won !! We won!!

A great day ...first days !! The Hop felt that we band of brothers had left the field of valour and the day was ours ...a centurion, a new player, some new bowlers, a victory  ....dusk took us home all smiling and happy and above all,delighted to be in this team.

The day of firsts, a day to savour.

Game 13  Thursday 1st August at the Sports Centre v The Vine

Team - Mark, Finley, Simon, Will, Milo, Andy J, Josh, Robin, Pete H, Jon

A Lesson Learnt

Sometimes in cricket you meet a team that offers you a drink, then pops you outside, hits you over the head with a house brick and has your wallet away without a by or leave ...The Vine.

Game 14  Saturday 10th August at Riverside Park v Eastleigh BC

Team - Jon, Pete H, Simon, O Mike, Robin, Jamie, Richard (Cavs), Matthew B (Cavs), Mole

Up and down the country there are warnings of storm force winds and torrential downpours.  People are advised not to travel unless absolutely essential.  Luckily cricket is essential, and it's game on.  Both Eastleigh and BP are light on numbers so a ten-a-side game is agreed, with loan fielders in operation.

BP batted first.  The wicket was dry, evidenced by the clouds of dust that came up with each heavy gust of wind.  O'Mike went on the attack from the start before falling LBW to one that kept low. How often have we said that when playing at Riverside.  Robin fell  to one that just clipped the top of the bails, and we were 24 for 2.  Enter Jon and Simon.

I'll say that again. Enter Jon & Simon.

Now, in recent matches a couple of the youngsters have (quite rightly) taken centre stage. With today's team lacking any teenagers it fell to the 'old guard' to step up, and step up they did.  By the time Jon and Simon were parted they had put on over 100.  Simon was eventually runout for 62.  It was a text book Whale runout.  Jon has clearly been taking leasons from brother Will, the master of the BP runout, with an excellent call for a non-existent third run.

Jon retired once he got to 50, muttering something about averages.  Whilst well set BP could do with a few more runs in the bag and so were grateful for cameos from Matthew B and Pete H.  Notable mention also for Jamie who fell looking for quick runs towards the end of the innings.

We ended up with 182.  A very good score but one that was not out of reach for Eastleigh.  Our confidence was tempered with the knowleldge that we now had to field with reduced numbers in very windy conditions.  The groundstaff had also helped the batsmen by putting the wicket very close to one boundary (and miles away from the other).  This made fours on one side of the wicket a relatively easy task, whilst on the other side a virtual impossibility, but all-run sixes were on the cards (assuming anyone could run that far).

Early wickets were what we wanted, and Pete H and O Mike picked up one each.  O Mike thanks to a good catch by Jamie (his first for BP).  Richard and Jon helped keep the pressure on Eastleigh and after 15 overs they still needed 120 runs.  Eastleigh kept chipping away, but struggled to keep up with the run rate. 

Given the conditions fielding was never easy but we kept our focus, with Robin and O Mike particularly notable. Mole, in his first match of the season, was also busy getting a knee or elbow in the way of anything hit his way, proving that the stainless steel shins are still in working order.

With BP firmly in control Robin and Jamie both got some overs in, with Jamie picking up his first wicket for BP thanks to a sharp take from wicketkeeper Simon.  Matthew B bowled a very tidy spell at the other end. Nice to have him doing so for us rather than against us as is often the case.  

At the close BP ran out winners by 40 runs in what had been a hard fought but thoroughly enjoyable game.

We also now know the answer to the question "Can you play cricket in gale force winds?"  The answer being "Well Jon and Simon certainly can." 

Game 15  Wednesday 14th August at Riverside Park v St Cross House  Rained off

Despite the fact that it rained just about all day, it wasn't called off until 3pm.

Game 16  Monday 19th August at the Sports Centre v Deportivo      Rained off

This game was  organised in an extra-curricular sort of way because Deportivo's opponents pulled out and we were  asked if  we'd  like to fill in since our earlier scheduled game with them was rained off.  Heavy rain showers throughout the day caused this game to be rained off as well.

Net        Friday 23rd  August - The Ageas Bowl.

Team - O'Mike, Pete H, Pete T, Will, Howard, Owen, Robin

After a couple of rained off games, so keen were we to not forget how to play cricket that we had a net in the excellent indoor nets at the Ageas Bowl. Friday afternoon is obviously a good time to go because we were the only ones there and thus avoided the embarrassment of playing in the vicinity to people who can actually play cricket. It was good to see Owen for the first time playing at a BP event, who will, should he play in a match be the first grandson to appear for BP (Other family members have included Grandfather John, Dad Pete, Uncle Dave, Aunty Andrea and Andy & Lisa who are probably first cousins once removed but I'm not absolutely sure about that - Ed).

The indoor nets have the interesting quality of being a sort of thermal amplifier, it being hotter inside than out when it is hot weather and colder inside than out when it's cold. Friday afternoon was very hot outside. Sadly the bar was closed for a wedding reception.

Game 17  Saturday 31st August at Riverside Park v Eastleigh BC

Team - Pete H, Jon, Will, Milo, Robin, James V, Jamie, Andy J, Matt B, Howard, Daz.

The Rain in Riverside Falls Mainly on the Cricket.

Dark clouds fought for control of a turbulent sky at Riverside, with players from BPCC and Eastleigh alike staring up and conducting arcane calculations about run-rates, and muttering dangerous spells to the deities Duckworth and Lewis. (It was observed that in days gone past, cricketers would have looked up to divine the potential for rain to affect their games. Nowadays, they look down -Ed)

Batting first, BPCC turned to two ‘non-traditional’ openers to get proceedings underway; step forward James ‘Fifth of His Name’ V, and Milo ‘Killer’ Whale. These two resplendent, white-clad knights strode purposefully across the rope (metaphorical rope-this is a municipal ground) with their willow sabres drawn and ready for a battle of the ages.

Milo went about matters as one would expect, treating the ball as if it had perpetrated a personal slight against him. Some magnificent, flowing fours ensued as that dastardly ball was punished for its sins, but eventually he fell to a straighter ball, becoming the first of Rob Day’s three wickets. It was to be a long Day for BPCC.... (sorry).

James, however, batted like he was possessed by sheep farmer, occasional cricketer, and knight of the realm, Sir Alastair Cook. Perhaps more pâtissier than chef, James took a moment or two to steady himself, but then set about a lovely, anchoring innings that brought forth 41 runs as its fruit. LBW to John Legg (there must be an ironic joke there), he did eventually have to depart, but what an enjoyable 65 balls it was.

Will ‘Milk of the’ Whale was in at 3, having been dragged once more from his pipe-and-slippers retirement. Suggestions are that his innings was gritty in a way I imagine his noir-style police procedural would be, but none of us actually witnessed it. Instead, we were all regaled with tales of Jon’s son and a chicken based dinner date with alleged musician and superstar, Post Malone. (the younger brother of Pre Malone I assume - Ed) As regular readers will be shocked to hear, few of the BPCC crew were familiar with Mr Malone’s back catalogue, but Milo represented the youth and added the necessary appreciation.

A short rain delay did punctuate the innings, but merely dampened clothes and kit bags, rather than spirits. With the heavy lash reduced to a mere drizzle, play resumed.

Pete H and Jon both added valuable scores, spurred on by the potential that they too may one day meet Post Malone. A catch and yet another LBW did for them however, showing once more that the cricketing gods care not for music-based wishes.

Matt was unlucky to be bowled, but it did allow for Howard, BPCC’s own Jack Leach, to produce a lovely 1 n.o., and force a memorable extra run from poor Daz, who was already halfway back to the pavilion before he was called back for a second. A respectable 132 was thus produced, and gave us something to defend.

The sun was now shining, light had triumphed over darkness, and all was well in the world. BPCC had a lovely red nut in the hands of Matt, some attacking fields, and a fired up keeper ready to inflict some damage. The combination proved to be potent, with Matt delivering a deliciously speedy spell to keep Eastleigh guessing at every turn.

Pete and Milo, contrasting in styles, but inseparable when it comes to joyful bowling nous, both produced lovely figures to help restrict, frustrate and delay the charge. Jon, another master craftsman of medium pace, was immensely unlucky not to pick up the wicket of Simon, failing to do so only due to Andy failing to stick the catch that would have offered redemption for earlier falling to a Simon catch... However, the auspices were looking good, and perhaps we could will ourselves over the line.

We did almost Will ourselves over the line when our wicketkeeper threw down the gloves and threw down 3 tasty wickets in a peerless 5 over spell. With Howard taking over duties at the other end, the keeping standard was still of the highest order. A few more dropped catches however (in what was generally an excellent fielding display), meant we failed to capitalise and were staring down the barrel with a couple of overs to spare.

Defeat eventually sipped up on us like the unwelcome cousin at a family bash, but we nonetheless left the field with our heads held high. But that may have been because we were looking towards the welcoming arms of the pub up the road...

Game 18  Saturday 14th September at Cheriton  v Christchurch

Team - Pete H, Robin, Jon, Will, Milo, Finley, O'Mike, Phil, Simon, Mark, New Harry, (actually there isn't an Old Harry, so henceforth he will just be Harry) Matt S and Umpire Howard, sporting a new and very umpirely hat.

The Battle of Cheriton Fields... ( but not 1644 of that ilk)

So as Christmas draws near and the first snow falls in the mountains of Hampshire the BPCC season rolls on...

A game at Cheriton… hired ground, nice club house… I made a mental note to steal Phil M's credit card and buy the place for the team as our new home ground claiming it was from an "anonymous benefactor". We all suspect he's loaded cos he wears shirts with jeans that may indeed be Chinos.

Anyway its a game against Christ Church that takes us to this idyllic part of the county, thanks to global warming it's baking hot and the blue sky makes the day...well, gorgeous.

Christchurch, a good team lead by their veteran generals Neil and Ray; around them swim young guns and some wily foxes...edgy bunch, not afraid of a few words and some "keen" appealing.

We are in good order with a sporting twelve. We welcomed new Harry to the team. He turned up in proper kit and promptly sat in the sun and possibly had a light doze. Good man.

We also welcomed back Phil M. Why that man does not have title bestowed upon him I never know. He makes Mark A look like a rough kid from the wrong side of town.

Also we arrived with a designated umpire. Howard complete with a broken finger, he says he broke it at cricket, the rumour is he did it in a bare knuckle fight for a big cash prize at the back of B and Q last Thursday. We don't ask. In true Howard fashion he had all the kit...proper umpire's hat, proper coat and all. What a champ.

We lost the toss and were put in. The wicket is a bit like a horse shoe and both ends lift. Some canny bowling on this strip will lead to batting issues..

Mark A and Finley stroll in and start the match well, we expect great things and the place seems to have a magical effect on us . We are all proper cricketing gents, playing for Queen and country, blazers on, perhaps a cherry wood pipe smoked by one of our chaps. Ladies with parasols walk by , Church bells ring (I'm sure I was at the game and missed all this – Ed) and ....oh hold on, Mark has just been run out by a direct hit from a massive unit (contemporary cricketing slang for 'large fellow', not a kitchen cupboard - Ed) playing for them. Superb shot...Hmm, perhaps I need to stop that hazy reverie and actually watch the game.  Simon tucks in and then gets a top edge, high it goes and out he goes, muttering. Howard was heard saying it wasn't his fault and couldn't be blamed for Simon's dismissal. We agreed but weren't sure that Simon didn't think some malign conspiracy was at work.

Other Mike returns to us ( it was only one game off whilst he moved house) He really nails a few shots and then nails Finley with a run out. The debate of "one there" will rage.

Phil M walks in...OK a bit rusty but clearly has played a bit,  looks the part, had had only a few ambient meat products (and very nice the ones I snaffled were too – Ed) and we hoped for great things. A rough year for his grace and we hoped that he would have something to feel good about on this day, other than the bottle of '58 claret that was breathing at his home ready for his return. Personally I think his score of 1 was totally acceptable and anything else would have been showy.

Don't worry we have Milo. He walked in full of righteous anger and Vim (available in all good hardware shops). When he sat back down next to me a short time later he blamed me for being low in blood sugar ...which I felt was fair.

I joined O'Mike at the wicket and played something akin to Geoff Boycott (That's Sir Geoffrey now sonny - Ed)  in a county seconds 4 days in getting his eye in. "Clack...wait on...no run…". I've no idea what's happened to me. Caution??? No thanks !! I'm blocking like a blocking thing from blockerville junction...then I went as well.

This was getting a bit errr...tricky. We were playing 35 overs and were in danger of not making the total. Robin sprinted a few but got done by a direct hit whilst taking a second which only existed in the eye of the batsmen. Matt S fell after some proper cricket, another chap who has only played once this year and even so shows that he actually knows how to play.

Jon, fresh back that day from New York and clearly not jet lagged at all, lead the charge. We needed an innings from him and he always produces, just not today. A Riverside Special did for him, pitched, died, and took his middle stump. First ball. That's just not fair.

New Harry cruised to the middle but soon ran out of bats to support him after Pete H fought hard (cough, cough -Ed) but fell. We posted 115, cheap, and not enough.

We went out to field after Pete H was trying to get the kettle to work without blowing himself up or most of the villages south of Winchester (and we never got our tea - Ed)

Ah, did I mention that they had Sid...???? He is a young gun (a Cavalier, forbye) playing at high level with glory beckoning no doubt, he is also nice, kind polite and lacking that cricketing arrogance that makes me want to throw people who have it in a bear pit.

He was always going to be the danger man (other danger men are available). Finley opened and nailed Steve (Howard's Nemesis) LBW (given by umpire Howard himself). Steve took the decision in a well, thoughtful manner.

Sid arrived, immaculate, class pouring from him. The Finster can bowl and when it goes well he is a master. In he came, this was going to be a battle, bang !! Top edge to Mark! Sid was out! YES!! OUT!!! In a true BPCC way we all then stopped to discuss weather he was and was it fair and did he hit it etc. etc. but yes he did! This was the stuff of champions.

Finley was on fire, a bit like his lower back muscles that then joined the party and sent him into spasm. Two overs later he was off getting treatment, but in those 6 balls he lead us into the game.

Neil and Ray then took the fight on. Milo arrived and bowled like he can and always does, fast and bouncy. He was unplayable and it was a credit to Neil and Ray to see the fight, they were not going to give up and get out. Oh yes, on a side note Howard was joined by his fellow umpire "Steve" which added a level of comedy for me in a tense match (and an uncharitable thought from me that LBWs might be given at one end but not the other – Ed). The last ball of Milo's spell saw him bowl an off stump yorker that then swung to middle and sent Ray back to the pavilion. I like Ray and offered him commiserations for a battle well joined.

Pete H bowled four overs in a rhythmic fashion, Other Mike bowled like he always does, sharp and dead on. He really is class in this game. Matt S held up an end and pinged wickets out with his smokin' off spin that comes out of his hand like an Exocet. We don't see much of Matt and that's a shame. we nailed wickets and Robin took a catch in the deep that was so good, followed up by a celebration that will forever be mimicked by young cricketers over the world (and is currently trending on Youtubby _Ed). I like to call it "The Superman"

OK, we just lost. We tried. Last ball scores were tied Sid had come back for another bat (don't ask, just don't ask..) and smashed a straight one to a fielder who normally catches everything. Just not today. One run. We lost by one run...

But did we lose? Really? A sunny day, a pleasant place, playing in our team that have played in together for years and are brothers, sons and mates. Some laughs, a few moments of tension, but not what you would call cricketing tension, Headingly tension. No we didn't lose. We just played the game that we love playing. Playing it with the people whom we love playing it with, playing it in the spirit that allows us to be honourable. Long may we play together...

 End of Season bash    Saturday 21st September at Cheriton

Team - All welcome

Coming soon...