BB vs Stragglers of Asia - Sunday 17th June 2018
After an immense struggle to gather a side on this Father’s Day, the Band of Brothers managed to find 9 willing members to take the field. It hadn’t rained in weeks, however Brother Regan led the rain cries early that morning after a single drop of rain had fallen on this beautiful Torry Hill pitch. The wicket was flat and the outfield quick. So on this gloomy looking day, the B.B won the toss and elected to bat first.
Brother Pollington and Guest J Bevan - Thomas took to the field to kick start our innings. Some solid and fine strokes were played by both, seeing off a tricky period where the ball appeared to moving considerably. Bevan - Thomas was unfortunately denied his maiden BB half century as he was caught on 49. Pollington also made a fluid 34 before being caught out. Guest Burnap looked in fantastic shape for his 4 until, like many great players before him, fell victim to the feared ‘long-hop’ and edged behind.
In strode the in-form Brother Boucher. His presence on the pitch was felt immediately, taking control of the situation and never letting the bowlers get on top of him or the run rate. The lunch at Torry Hill was once again fantastic. A delicious chilli con carne with all the trimmings went down very well with both sides, especially the batsmen.
As play resumed, Boucher was very ably supported by Brother Radcliffe, who made a steady 28 before being trapped in front. It was a real family affair at the crease with the score at 115 - 4, as Brother Regan entered the arena. Regan lived up to his name as a stroke maker, never been one for running quick singles or between the wickets at all. The boundaries were now flowing as Boucher neared that illusive maiden BB 100. As video evidence will show, Regan celebrated the single down the long on far more than Boucher, with ‘Yes, Yes, Yes Tom!’, as he reached that century. It was a fine knock, one that was very easy on the eye.
We waited for Regan to get to his 50, which came only two overs later, to declare. We finished on 295 - 4 declared, Boucher and Regan finishing on 119* and 51* respectively.
The BB then had a tough task to fit plenty of over in before tea, which we did well. Brother Cornwallis and Brother Meredith started well, keeping it tight. However The Stragglers of Asia made it through to tea unscathed. Again, another fantastic tea.
Burnap and Regan were brought on together to help up the overrate. However we never substituted quality for speed, and they both bowled brilliantly with Regan taking a vital wicket just after tea. Brother Richardson came into the attack and immediately got the treatment with some high class hockey strokes. Burnap and Regan continued to chip away in the middle overs, and once we had caught up the overrate it was time for the return of the Meredith. This was a scintillating and eye catching spell of bowling. He removed their man well set on 78 with a peach of a delivery, and was constantly asking questions of their batsmen. At the other end Burnap got the very valuable scalp of Brother Shales, another almost unplayable delivery. Richardson finally got the wicket he definitely didn’t deserve, and bowled alongside Pollington in attempt to remove the tail. But the Stragglers held strong, with Pollington managing one wicket from his spell, and Regan competing fiercely to try and take the last few wickets. The final pair batted very sensible to be able to see the game out.
All in all the draw was a fair reflection of the game. Fun was had by all and the game was played in wonderful spirit. Thank you to the opposition and moreover all the Brothers that played.
I very much look forward to next year’s fixture.
