Sun Jul 24th Match Drawn
Match report
The Ramblers won the toss and elected to bat. It was clear from an early stage that this was to be a tough time in the field for the Grannies - the Eton opener lofting a glorious cover drive for six from the fourth ball of the day. Ultimately, after a highly impressive display the Ramblers declared on 319-2 after just over 35 overs. The Grannies bowling attack gave their all, with Gibbs and Matthews economical, and Bell, Shah and Schutzer-Weissmann picking up a wicket each.
An imposing total, and so the question effectively became whether the Grannies could bat through the remainder of the day to secure a draw. Schutzer-Weissmann (the younger) was promoted up the order and along with Alexander saw off the first few overs. Both fell in quick succession but Stockham and Hoskyns then put together a decent partnership and looked to have given the Grannies a chance at saving the game. Stockham was ultimately out for 49, with Hoskyns falling a few overs later for 45 with the score at 139-4 and still around 90 minutes of play remaining. Newcomb and Schutzer-Weissmann (senior) then came to the crease a seemed to have blunted the Eton attack - both surviving for a significant period and scoring 27 and 38, respectively. It appeared that the draw was secure, but in a manner that will be familiar to those of a sufficient Grannies vintage the game swung towards the Ramblers again. Five wickets in quick succession (some involving questionable shots - given the context of the game) left the Grannies eight down with one over to survive. Gibbs left it to El Presidente to see of the final two balls of the game, which he did with a sense of urbane calm that was not (it is fair to say) mirrored in the pavilion. The Grannies finished at 214-9.
A tough game then, but a good result against a very strong side.
Match info
A wonderful game on a great surface against (usually) high quality opposition. The Battle of Waterloo may have been won on the playing fields of Eton, but the Grannies have had some excellent victories of their own in Windsor in recent years. For those who worry about these things, the teas are also excellent...
Location
Eton College,
Windsor,
SL4 6DW
How to get there
1 hour from London. Down M4 to Jct 6 and follow signs for Eton. Game is played on 1st XI pitch (Upper Club)