For the purpose of this report and scorecard "Guest one" or "G O" is new combatant Harry Scott. Long may he prosper.

Sun and a cooling breeze welcomed Baboons to Upton. No-one got lost so no noticeable fines for lateness....though that may be revised.

Captain Tim won the toss and chose to bat first. Immediately several of his team took pains to explain why he was wrong. They were very nearly right.

The Baboons batting commenced in a serene tone with some elegance from Booth and violence from Stratford (he took exception to the tone of voice of the school age bowler and felt he needed a good smacking). The opening spell of the rather good opening bowlers was seen off and all seemed well. But then T Anderson bowled some variable spin and rubbish which caused Strats to get over-excited and be caught, Boothy then ceased being Boothy-the-elegant and cross battedly missed the ball. Bowled! By same Anderson. Pratt and Sheard seemed to be starting a nice partnership until they had an ambition failure resulting in Pratt being run out. Scott came in looking determined and aggressive, Four fours = 16 runs. Great going! Sadly the next attempt at a four was caught. Much bat kicking! Hulme meanwhile had been applying magic potions and wrapping his limbs in special bandages. He too felt the need to hit the ball with great vigour. The partnership with Sheard was very productive - 90 runs until Sheard heaved once too often and was bowled. Jagger came in and supported Hulme well - both not out at 35 overs. Hulme’s magic potions and appliances had worked! And his 50 respectfully acknowledged.

A splendid tea was consumed and Tim plotted with has senior advisers how to manage the Baboon's bowling. During tea Hulme applied more magic unguents and added a splendid orange appliance to at least one leg.

The second innings commenced with a fiery Hulme and miserly Bullement applying pressure. Hulme getting a wicket with his 5th ball - Henry caught at slip by Stratford. The first bowling change saw GO (otherwise known as Harry) demonstrate even more fire and vigour with his bowling than in his batting. A wicket in his second over. Stratford made great efforts but could not match the pace of his (non-present) son. Capt Tim did much chin stroking and came up with a plan to occupy the space where his 5th bowler should be. Booth appealed in vain " me me me " "I'm happy to bowl" quoth he. "No" the Captain fiercely ruled. Pratt and maybe even Tedbury shall more likely succeed. Sadly they didn't take any wickets (though there were chances) but runs did not flow to excess. Earlier on Tedbury had dropped a dolly and really wanted to make amends - this didn't happen but happily, soon the dropped batsman was properly caught by Snowden who also was bowling a restrictive 5 over spell. The coup de grace, however, was the return of GO Harry to flatten two sets of stumps in a row in the final over. Joy all round (and a much relieved Tedbury).

This was a great all-round performance by the team. Much energetic running while fielding, great determination not to give away boundaries, some excellent catching. It had been a good game played in the right spirit. A win by 5 runs....easy! Now we look forward to more!!

Ropsley Baboons Cricket Club

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