Refreshers v Tilford, 19 June 2022
Notwithstanding the rather dismal medium-range weather forecast and it being Father’s Day, the Refreshers managed to assemble not only 11 players but also an Umpire – with thanks to Tim Lord – in an effort to win back the Tanner Cup.*
However, perhaps in the excitement of having a full complement of players a full week in advance, the Match Manager overlooked the need for anyone who might resemble an opening bowler. Kindly, Sachin (normally a fine purveyor of spin) and Akhtar Ahmad (more often keeping wicket) stepped gamely into the breach, both bowling at a brisk medium pace with particularly Sachin finding some real shape and bounce. In the absence of anything much better and to give the opening pair a breather, Chris Bell decided to bowl for the first time since his shoulder reconstruction surgery, taking a wicket with his first ball back. It did not get better from there – but neither could it ! With Ed Faulks turning back the years with his wily off breaks and Andy Gardner bowling his rather idiosyncratic left arm pies, it was left to Jack Bell and James Lord to bowl out the Tilford innings as they finally declared after on 225 for 6. It must be noted that the Refreshers were particularly game in the field with Simon Thompson neat behind the stumps and James Waddington putting his body on the line for the cause on numerous occasions.
Paul Stewart and James Waddington elegantly opened the Refreshers innings and with Rob Tatton-Brown adding some lusty blows at 3, the Refreshers were looking well set to kick on at 49-1. Perhaps taking the Stokes/McCullum ‘new England’ risk-taking approach a little too literally, the middle order subsided in a flurry of quick wickets in a frantic 6 over period to leave us on 67 for 7 – facing the ignominy of an early visit to the pub. Jack Bell then rose wonderfully to the fore, ably abetted by the timeless Ed Faulks. With Bell Jnr smiting the ball to all parts and Faulks displaying the flair and élan we have seen so regularly over the years, it looked very much ‘game on’. However, with 7 overs to go, the need for risk-taking and quick runs accounted for Ed Faulks and with Akhtar Ahmad falling cheaply thereafter, it was left to Chris Bell to bat out for an honourable draw together with his son, who finished unbeaten on 63; a memorable way to spend Father’s Day!
Notwithstanding a game played by both sides in excellent spirt and intent, sadly , the Tanner Cup remains in the hands of Tilford for another year.
*Lest we forget, the Tanner Cup is played in the memory of Lieutenant Commander Charles Graham Tanner G.M., R.N.V.R of whom more can be read here. https://www.mcdoa.org.uk/Lt%20Cdr%20Charles%20Graham%20Tanner%20GM%20RNVR.pdf
Match Manager; Chris Bell.