OAs 232-9dec
BB 155 all out
OA win by 77 runs
The first game of the season saw BB take on the Old Amplefordians at a picturesque Belmont House. Brother Collingwood walked out to the middle to observe the pitch to make an uneducated guess on whether to bat first on an early May wicket or to stick the opposition in, with the intention of bowling them out cheaply. Luckily no decision was needed as the toss was lost and the decision had been made that OA’s were to bat first.
BB took to the field with optimism after a very long winter of little sport and lots of social distancing. Perhaps the lack of match practise showed in the field. We started off well with the experienced new ball bowler and ever dependable Brother P Richardson. Fresh off the back of bowling 12 overs the day before in a pre-season friendly, with support from the other end by Brother Collingwood. The first 10 overs started well with a wicket a piece for both openers, resulting in OA’s 23-2 a promising start. Brother T Pollington came into the attack and bowled well picking up a further 2 wickets bowling a tidy line and length. With young left arm spinner guest Barney Hall picking up a wicket with the second to last over before lunch. At lunch OA’s were 113-5.
BB entered the field again recharged after lunch and cocktails supplied by the ever hospitable brother Norwood-Hill. Confident in taking out the OA’s tail and looking forward to chasing down the first win of the summer. Things started well with two quick wickets after lunch from the skipper. This however did not age well as fatigue and lack of match practise soon set in with catches being dropped all around the ground in a disappointing second half fielding display. The OA’s tail wagged and they motored their way to 232-9dec
Brother Pollington accompanied by Brother Cornwallis walked out to the crease to lead the BB run chase. A cautious start from both openers gave us a solid foundation. Unfortunately both falling shortly after tea set us back.This brought Brothers Norwood-Hill and Pask to the crease. Taking on the fight back. Norwood-Hill caressed two lovely boundaries which looked to lay the marker down for the rest of his innings before their opening bowler had other ideas. Brother Pask however took it upon himself to be aggressive towards the OA’s attack with guest Rob Willets partnering well, unfortunately Pask went for one lusty blow to many and was caught at mid-on to a very good catch, for a well made 50 off 34 balls. WIllets followed shortly after and wickets began to tumble. BB fell from 104-4 to 155 all out. Wicketkeeper Rupert Connell and brother Will Pollington held up the BB tail with all intentions of saving the game. However Brother Connell fell to a suspect LBW decision which brought the game to a close.
It wasn’t to be for BB this week but with the cobwebs being removed and some catching practise in place, BB are set for a fantastic summer of cricket ahead.
