Refreshers v Tilford

With the absence of the usual match Captain (Richard Saunders) through “Age Concern” commitments, the team was run by Chris Bell who scrambled an 11 together on Friday after a couple of late withdrawals – you know who you are!

The Refreshers lost the toss and were put in, reaching a 191 all out at broadly the mid-way stage. This always looked likely to be c. 25 runs short on this slightly idiosyncratic, albeit very lovely, outfield.

A number of batsmen got themselves in – Tim Lord scoring a stylish 37 (bowled first ball after the drinks break!), Tim Stewart an aggressive 35 and Chris Bell an exceptionally stylish 39, but sadly nobody went on to score the game-defining “Daddy 100”.

James Finch bowled with a good degree of pace and produce the champagne moment by removing the opening batsman’s off bail, which effectively “went for 6” landing in the road behind the stumps on the full!

Rachel Godschalk, Jack Bell and Lord Faulks provided excellent and steady support albeit the Sunday afternoon umpiring decisions didn’t go entirely our way!

Ultimately, due to the lack of runs which failed to put sufficient time pressure on them, Tilford knocked off the winning runs with c. 4 overs (of the final 20) to spare, for the loss of 4 wickets. Apart from James’s “champagne moment”, other highlights included the brothers Stewart (Tim and Paul) batting together with some choice language – as only brothers do – Jack Bell upstaging his father in the bowling stakes, plus Tim Lord’s immaculate (if slightly stiff) wicket keeping!

Despite the loss, a game played in good spirit and with limited controversy. The trophy will be ours next year…

Team list: Chris Bell, Jack Bell, Jacob Sandelson, Tim Stewart, James Skelton, Richard Jory, Rachel Godschalk, Paul Stewart, Lord Edward Faulkes, Tim Lord, James Finch.

CB