Crescent Collapse at the Cradle of Cricket

The second leg of our Hampshire tour saw us take on the Broadhalfpenny Brigands by the famous Bat and Ball pub. An arranged toss saw us take to the field first in a timed match after a brief history lesson from the match manager.

Martin Watts and Matt Lawson opened the bowling with tight and probing spells, however the Brigands openers seemed up to the task and soon past 50. Watts then found the edge of Bath's bat, and after a good juggle from Kidman at slip, was sent on his way. This started a procession of wickets from Brooks that dangerously looked like proper cricket. First, he snicked off Jay, another slip catch for Kidman, followed by having Ladenburg well caught behind by keeper Spencer. Number 5 Lumby, another slip catch this time by skipper Lawson, and opener Turner were soon back in the pavilion, giving Brooks figures of 4-31 off 9 for this great spell, which had the Brigands at 94-5, very well supported from Morris who had kept things very tight from the other end. The Brigands 6th wicket partnership produced a little comeback until Woolvine was bowled through his legs by Cook. The opposition, with time running out, decided to counter attack the pace of Saju and the pies of Cook and when number 6 Northwood was spectacularly caught by Morris off the bowling of Saju, who recovered well from spectacularly falling into the stumps in his run up, the score had accelerated to 173. Brooks was brought back to finish things off and bowled Sargent for a well deserved 5-fer. The Brigands then decided enough was enough and declared on 183-8.

A cricket tea was consumed for the first time in nearly in two years and we plotted our run chase.

Spencer and Kidman were sent out to open and made a great start in knocking off the total. The Brigands openers bowled with good pace and skill but our openers were untroubled, playing great shots and respecting great balls. Showman Kidman even held the pose for the capacity crowd after playing a sumptuous cover drive. Unfortunately, the Brigands spinners came and and began to turn, quite literally, the game. The score was at 80 when Spencer was adjudged LBW and this began a classic crescent collapse that luckily hasn't been seen much this season. Max passed his 50, but then quickly got out by generously providing catching practice attempting to keep the scoreboard ticking. Roberts lasted only three balls, going back to a ball that perhaps in hindsight he should've gone forward to, and being bowled. Malby then chopped on and Brooks lasted even less balls than Roberts. Cook and Stringer were tied down by good bowling and played out 3 straight maidens before Stringer was bowled by Lumby. Cook soon departed, adjudged LBW to a ball that left a lovely cherry on the inside edge. Morris and Watts gave a little resistance and push the score passed 100 before Morris fell, again LBW. Watts popped one up to cover before the injured Saju only had to face one ball. 10 wickets had fallen for just 37 runs, and the crescent collapse was complete.

We then retired to the Bat & Ball to drown our sorrows and tried to remember how not to give our wickets away.