Sun Aug 2nd Grannies lose by 4 wickets
Match report
Match Report: Grannies v Eton Ramblers (Sunday 2 August, 2009)
Eton Ramblers (165 for 6) beat Grannies (164 all out) by 4 wickets
The Grannies arrived at Eton with a team packed full of youthful vigour and Oxford University Cricket Club kit. The match was played on Agars Plough, having been moved from Upper Club to accommodate the Cricketer Cup Semi Final between Eton and Repton.
On a damp, overcast morning Eton won the toss and elected to field. The Grannies were soon in trouble against an accurate opening attack that exploited the favourable conditions well. Smith and Fry departed early leaving the Grannies 1 for 2. However, the emergence of Bretten (on debut) saw the scoring rate accelerate. A series of leg byes and no balls kept the scorers busy and the total raced to 6 for 2 from the first 10 overs.
As overhead conditions improved batting appeared to become easier and Bretten produced a series of sumptuous off drives before eventually perishing for a jaunty 30. When the talented Roche emerged and pulled his first ball for 4 over mid wicket spirits were lifted. However, his Ravi Bopara-esque season continued when he holed out shortly afterwards. Handcock soon followed and the doughty Blasdale was then bowled leaving the Grannies in deep trouble at 91 for 6 after 30 overs when the lunch bell sounded.
Eton clearly enjoyed their chicken tikka masala as they appeared somewhat less focused when they emerged after the break. A brave rearguard action from Addison (41) and Thomas (37) put on 61 for the 7th wicket and gave the Grannies a sniff of posting a respectable score. However, a flurry of wickets in the end saw the Grannies dismissed for 164 in 47 overs. A decent effort on a difficult day, but it still looked about 50 runs short of a par score.
The Grannies started well with the ball. A tight opening spell from Fry (bristling with aggression as ever) and Stringer saw Eton restricted to only 40 runs from the first 15 overs. The openers frequently played and missed and the Grannies could consider themselves unlucky not to have made the breakthrough before Tea.
Thomas, having been uncharacteristically abstemious at tea, took over from the Pavillion End after the break and produced a beauty that won a somewhat muted LBW appeal. Carroll was then introduced to the attack and, like a young Mushtaq Ahmed, produced a cultured display of leg spin bowling. A series of flippers, googlies, zooters and big spinning leg breaks saw the little master take 3 wickets from his 10 overs, and at 100 for 4 after 32 overs there was just a sniff of an upset.
However, the Eton middle order came good, and while the Grannies never lost control of the scoring rate their 164 was eventually overhauled in the 45th over for the loss of 6 wickets. Stringer picked up 2 late scalps as consolation for a strong opening spell. The Grannies could take satisfaction from a disciplined bowling display against a decent Eton batting team, and another 50 runs on the board would have made the game very interesting indeed.
Nevertheless, a good day was had by all, and the skies remained clear allowing a full days play. It is hoped that a few of those making their Grannies debuts might be persuaded to make more regular appearances. Given their proclivity for kit and the very smart red and green colours offered by this famous club, there is every chance one or two could be persuaded.
Match info
Will Thomas - 07881 820383
Location
Eton College,
Windsor,
SL4 6DW
How to get there
(The map on this page is not completely accurate!) Take the M4 exit for Eton and Datchet, continue to wards Eton and then, just as you come into the outskirts of Eton you will see the running track on your right about 200 yeards after that there is a big pavilion on the right and a small bridge on your left (just before a T Junction) - turn left go and go over the bridge. There is a very good map at www.etoncollege.com under "New Boy Guide", "Maps", "Playing Fields".