Horsington’s fixture against the Tabard Pilgrims from Chiswick, West London, ended in a good humoured defeat after an afternoon of slightly damp, but very entertaining cricket. The teams played 2 innings, reversing the batting order for the second. Local rules meant there was no LBW, and “golden ducks” were banned.
Both teams were refreshed by a liberal supply of Butcombe Rare Breed, generously supplied by Andrew Tarling of the Half Moon, who also umpired throughout, assisted by Chris Bailward and Richard Gaunt (who was thankfully not called on to make a decision).
Horsington, captained by Christian “Snoopy” Bennett, fielded some very fine young cricketers with genuine potential for the future – Michael Tarling, Samuel Rose and star batsman Jake Cockerel. Nick Mattravers and Stuart Lane tonked a few braces of sixes before falling to some beguiling bowling.
Joe Davidson had a spectacular catch, Tom Appleby, who has just taken over the Charlton Horethorne Stores, bowled with great pace and skill. Kevin Lane played with his usual style.
Charlie Mann and Josh Dare-Cullen bowled with an unconventional action with some success.
The view from the pavilion was that this is a team with great potential. If only they could play together more often, they might put Horsington on the village cricket map.
A great day, in steadily improving weather. Horsington were overtaken by the Pilgrims with 3 overs left.
Then it was back to the Half Moon for refreshment and the traditional Bank Holiday Quiz, won by the Pilgrims in a tie-break with the Moonies. The winning team conveniently had a veteran of several TV quiz shows in their team, one Bill Rodwell, still bowling at 82!
Thanks to Rob Hoddinott for preparing the pitch, Belinda Mann and Philippa Tarling for the tea and cake. And thanks to the Pilgrims for coming. See you next year.
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