The Sunday bank holiday cricket match against the Tabard Pilgrims from Chiswick, West London, resulted in a 4-run victory for Horsington, after a thrilling finish.
The home team opted for a 15-over, two-innings format, with the batting order reversed in the second innings. This provided insurance against rain, and gave everyone a decent crack at batting. There were some thrilling catches and run-outs, numerous boundaries and sixes and some “interesting” bowling. It was also enormous fun, and the good-natured game was enjoyed by both sides.
The Pilgrims batted first and scored 116 for 9 wickets. Notable Horsington wicket takers were Nigel Cockerell and his son Jake, “Accurate” Dave and Ed White and Kevin Lane who, although he arrived late, took a wicket with the first ball he had bowled for two seasons
Horsington responded with 107 for just 2 wickets, Stuart Lane retiring with 50, his best score ever, with his father Kevin Lane backing him up well with 19.
Horsington elected to have their second innings straight after the(delicious) tea interval, and knocked up a 93 for 6.
The Pilgrims needed 85 to win, and 15 overs to get them. Their batsmen were pinned down by accurate bowling from Jake Cockerell and Paul Mann and were left needing 14, with two overs to go. Despite some desperate slogging, they failed to meet their target and handed Horsington a well-deserved victory.
perfect pitch and imperial pavilion, Mardy Bennett, and Belinda Mann for the tea, Chris Bailward and Phil Bennett for umpiring, (Chris also reared, cooked and carved the delicious hog roast after the game) and Andrew Tarling, who organised the whole thing.
Same time next year?
