Horningsham 28/09/24

After a very wet season the Wanderers gathered for the last game of the season at Horningsham with the promise of rain coming in and a very cold wind blowing. It was good to return to Horningsham, the scene of the Wanderers’ first ever cricket tour, with all the memories of the Bath Arms coming back.

After settling on a 30 overs game, Skipper elected to bat first on a wet pitch having won the toss. David opened the innings with Ben (0) who was caught in the second over with the score on 2. Garry started to push the ball around, although the threat of variable height bounce was ever present! David (3) was bowled by a good ball but a disappointing shot (17-2, 6). a couple a leg-sided boundaries to the soggy part of the ground saw the score move on nicely and Garry and Brett looked to get set together. However, a promising partnership was broken by a delivery that did not bounce and Garry (26) was bowled (34-3, 9). Skipper joined Brett with the Wanderers in trouble and straight away set about speed between the wickets with a 3 in the first over. It was this speed that characterized the partnership with defensive blocks earning singles in some cases. It wasn’t long before Skipper found the leg-side boundary but was soon grateful for a dreadful attempted catch when he skied an attempted drive down the ground (towards the Aston). There was another dropped catch, this time in the deep, on the way to Skipper’s 50. Brett was the ideal foil to Skipper’s attacking intent, rotating the strike and running quick runs. The partnership was worth 95 when Brett (27) was bowled trying to force the issue (129-4, 22). Leo tried to go over the infield on ball 3 and was caught at mid-wicket for no score (130-5, 23). It was at this point that Skipper really opened up, the Wanderers hitting 45 in the final 6 overs. This included a couple of full-toss no-balls that Skipper clubbed into the next field! Ady was the new batsman, forced to run extravagantly against his better judgement but to great effect. Skipper was on 93 going into the last over. A 2 hit to mid-off was followed by another 2 to mid-wicket. The next ball was driven straight down the ground (for a comfortable 2) until Ady got back into the crease and blocked to ball’s path. The next ball was a single to third man leaving Ady needing a single to get Skipper back on strike. A good delivery was missed and the ton opportunity was lost leaving Skipper not out 98! A 52 run unbeaten partnership was just what the Wanderers needed and a total of 182-5 from 30 overs was very respectable.

After a quick turnaround due to the incoming weather, the Wanderers took to the field for the final time this season with a vast number of jumpers being worn! Leo should have had a wicket in the first over when a drive to mid-off was met by Skipper who lost his footing in the mud and dropped the chance! Leo (1-5) bowled his man in his next over (4-1, 3). Ady (1-15) bowled an impressive spell and got his reward when XXXXX took a catch (20-2, 5). Ben came on at the Pavilion end and trapped the other opener on the foot in front of the stumps (23-3, 7). His remaining 2 overs were maidens to keep the pressure on the batsmen. James was on at the other end and despite finding his length eventually, went for 21 runs in 3 overs. Brett and Leo were performing marvels on the boundary with Leo diving full legth to stop a ball that had already stopped in the mud! Garry replaced Ben (1-2)with PW at the other end. Garry exerted control, only conceding 2 runs in his first 3 overs. PW kept the pressure on the batsmen with Ady taking a catch at mid-on off a full-toss (47-4, 13). A flighted over from Garry went for 13 before the batsmen took a liking to PW (1-30), smashing 21 from his 4th over. Brett came on at the Pavilion end with David his partner. Brett was expertly pushing the batsman back into his crease and it was no surprise that he trapped him LBW (89-5, 20). The new batsman was caught by Big Dog, diving to his left to take a fine catch in front of slip, with no additional score in the same over from Brett. David lost his length on occasion and was hit to the leg-side boundary. Brett then struck again with Garry taking a catch (105-7, 23) leaving 78 runs required from 7 overs. David (1-26) got his wicket when big dog took a smart stumping (107-8, 24). Leo came back but was hit long and hard, conceding 17. Brett continued to be difficult to get away although there was time for Skipper to lose his footing in the deep allowing a four to slip through. Garry came back and only went for 5 runs leaving 32 required from the last 2 overs. A tight over from Brett left 24 needed from the last over and despite hitting 2 balls well out of the ground, the Wanderers won by 12 runs. As the players walked off to enjoy the tea, the rain started to fall.

All retired to the Bath Arms to celebrate a good victory and great season.

MOM: Brett – Kept Skipper company and bowled beautifully.

Catch of the day: Big Dog – a genuine edge off a full-length delivery with a great catch – almost like real cricket!

Quote of the day: Ady, when joining Skipper at the crease “I don’t want any silly runs”. Skipper replied “You’ve come to the wrong place”