Hampshire Hogs - 237 All out
BB - 238 for 5
BB win
Clear skies but a very chilly start; Brother Shales opting for double jumpers. greeted the Brethren as they arrived at the glorious Warneford Cricket Ground in Hampshire to conclude the 2019 season against the Hampshire Hogs. A green topped wicket meant it was agreed that the BB would bowl first if the stand in skipper, Regan, won the toss. He immediately failed to do only to be given a reprieve by his opposite number who elected to bat.
Indeed the local knowledge seemed to have benefitted the hosts as their openers shot along to 75-0 after 12 overs despite some excellent deliveries from both Middleton and Richardson, the latter in particular the unlucky bowler in a number of drops by both keeper and slips. A change of wicket keeper, with Middleton himself donning the gloves after his opening salvo with the ball, bought dividends as Richardson removed the dangerous opener caught behind the wicket. At this the scoring slowed significantly, Pollington bowling a tight spell but the dual medium pace of Norwood Hill up the hill (not over by any means!) and Henderson down it tightened the screw and the latter was rewarded; taking the second wicket to leave the hogs 136-2 at lunch. After an excellent feed our senior bowling pair continued in the same vein, although now cashing in on some looser batting, Norwood Hill returning 3-46 and Henderson 3-32 both from 10 overs although the BB’s fielding effort did leave plenty to be desired. The form in the slips continued; let no one say there is no consistency in the BB team as the culprits made up the vast majority of the team; Regan, Shales, Henderson, Middleton and Watt all to blame for dropped catches, mostly off Richardson. All told during his 14 over spell at least 5 catches were put down behind the wicket. Despite having to create around 17 chances to take 10 wickets, the brethren were pleased to dismiss the Hogs for 237, which Richardson returning 2-55 off 14 overs which with a more supportive team could easily have been 6 or 7 for.
Not many would have witnessed such a well-balanced chase as the one we were treated to by the opening pair of Deveson and Shales. They cruised through to tea unscathed, where the BB were treated to extraordinary treats in the team colours (photo below) and carried on. So secure were the pairing that the other 9 members of the BB’s attention drifted to England’s efforts at Old Trafford or in Richardson’s case, a post tea nap thus saving the team from any horrendous chat during the chase. Deveson was eventually bowled for a well-crafted 51, including a perfect reverse sweep, to leave the score 126-1 after 29 overs and leaving the BB middle order needing 111 to win from 18 overs. Boucher played well a quickfire 13 before being dismissed to a good catch at midwicket before Pollington and Bryant were both dismissed lbw to a fine leg spin bowler. Regan offered some support but it was the undoubted man of the match, Matthew Shales who saw the brethren home. A performance for the ages despite running his captain out with 20 odd needed to win, citing having to run up the hill the ground is situated on as his excuse. Watt fell unselfishly chasing quick runs and Middleton steadied the ship to continue his unbeaten record batting for the BB but the applause was rightly reserved for Shales. His 122* off 133 balls was paced to perfection, full of cuts, flicks and brutal straight drives when necessary to win the game off the first ball of the last over.
A wonderful day to finish another fantastic BB summer, despite the rain it truly was the summer of cricket where the spirits of England’s World Cup win was replicated by the Brethren. Indeed, one which one can look back on 2019 and feel warm and affectionate about our club and our sport. Our thanks to the Hampshire Hogs for a truly exception day out and in particularly for the volunteers for a particularly memorable lunch and tea.
