Refreshers v Checkendon, 29 June 2025

Checkendon was this year the site of some destructive and mighty batting in a quite one sided 35 over match. On a dry wicket and lightning-fast outfield – on which the groundsman apparently uses the heavy roller on a regular basis – the Refreshers’ intent was clear from the first ball. Sachin and Law found the gaps between the fielders before Prince came to the crease like a man possessed. He and debutant Henry Longstaff formed a dominant partnership, with blows struck to all corners and the local birdlife regularly displaced from their perches high up in the trees on the boundary. Prince was retired for the good of the game on 102 off 57 balls, with Longstaff hitting 54 off 35. Our total of 262 always looked beyond reach.

Baloch father and son opened the bowling, offering contrast and control in equal measure and taking the early wickets. Clapp took pace off and bamboozled their batting line up taking a deserved three wickets, with Law and Gration then picking up two apiece to leave the opposition 125 short. The miracle was that in neither innings, with so many boundaries struck into the surrounding shrubbery and woodland, was a single ball lost.  

Happily matters were concluded shortly after 6pm on what had been a hot afternoon in the field, leaving plenty of time for a visit to the magnificent and quirky Black Horse where man of the match Prince bought the obligatory jug of local ale and both teams chatted cheerily of the game and the remarkable first Test v India. A fine team performance and another memorable Refreshers victory. 

Richard Jory

30.6.25