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Result - Eton Ramblers

Sun Jul 26th The Grannies lose by 2 wickets

Match report

Grannies 187 all out.
Eton Ramblers 189 for 8.

As a standby, last minute ground Culham Court near Henley is impressive. Equipped with a “pop up” pavilion …better than most permanent pavilions… and a glamping style toilet house …the rolling manicured gardens of the private estate give way to a perfectly flat, well-tended cricket pitch on the banks of the Thames. The chatty Ramblers scorer proudly informed us that the team batting first last week scored 420,541 runs for the loss of 1 wicket …or something like that. So no pressure then when Grannies won the toss and elected to bat. Big Jim and normal sized Harry (Frankpitt) started out against a more than useful right and left arm opening attack…with a very chirpy slip cordon for company. Harry wore one on his visor before playing on to the tall left armer who got one to jag back and rise off a length. Joe (Huxley) and Jim then took the score quickly to 48 and were just beginning to open up when Joe took a step down the track to the left arm spinner who was getting exaggerated (slow) turn…missed it, and the talented keeper did the rest. The incoming Sam (Northcote-Green) couldn’t get the pace of the pitch and slotted it directly to extra cover, Big Jim cracked a couple of boundaries and a six in the mid-off /extra cover arc before finding a new way to get out (stumped down the leg side), Paul Davies swept a couple of boundaries to leave us in danger of an early bath…sorry…an early all over hand sanitizer rub… at 77 for 5. Step in Matt Nichols and Scottie who put on a rapid 50 partnership…Matt smacking the ball to all parts and Scottie offering catching practice (which was generously declined repeatedly by the Ramblers) and it took yet another dodgy umpiring decision ( “bat before wicket” ) to see him on his way. Matt continued to stroke his way to 70 partnered very briefly by Will (Dunn) and in a 49 run stand with Felix Tritton whose family, we were reliably and repeatedly informed by the Ramblers scorer, have been involved with the Ramblers for 100 years ! Henry “Wilko” Wilkinson and Mike Fernie added 1 between them leaving Felix high and dry on 15.

Cue half an hour of vigorous hand sanitising.

Our score felt a bit short but at the same time there was a chance. The Ramblers had a mixed side…some very capable…others out to enjoy the day. Felix and Wilko both ran in and gave everything. The ball was doing enough off the pitch and in the air to keep interest throughout the innings. Wilko’s bodyline tactic got us all excited…but didn’t get a wicket…,so he decided to talk the batsman out…all the time with a massive grin on his face…a grin that was contagious. Felix struck about 6 times…but only two were given…the first aided by a full length diving catch at 3rd slip from Will…after which the Ramblers made batting look easy in spite of some great bowling by Will and Matt. Will eventually got the umpire to agree that the pad being in the way of the ball hitting the wicket was actually a genuine way of being dismissed…and Matt cleaned up the next man for not many with his rapid, accurate left arm seamers. It took Mike’s left arm flight, flight, flight and guile to bemuse their resolute and very able opener into sweeping to Scottie at backward square…,a wicket that put us back with a shout. Ramblers 146 for 6. The two new batters got their heads down and put on 30…and the game was drifting…even Scottie’s darts and Sam’s leggies not having an impact…until Matt and Wilko bowled both batsmen. 178 for 8. The runs dried up and balls dropped tantalisingly out of reach. Big Jim lost his footing going for a catch and came down like a giant redwood. Paul ensured that every item of his clothing would be going to the dry cleaners by hurling himself around the outfield. Wilko talked and grinned at the batsmen. The Ramblers were inching along, scampered single by single…. It was all brewing up for a last gasp victory…or at least a last over thriller…when out of nowhere the Ramblers no.9 hit a most sublime six over square leg. That wasn’t in the script. Game over.

We lost…but it was one of those games that keeps you coming back for more. Special shout out to Will who recruited Sam, Harry and Wilko…mostly at the last minute…to fill the team…all of who played in the spirit of the Grannies.


Match info

Also playing: Matt Nichols, Sam Northcote-Green, Harry Frankpitt

NB. Change of venue (see map and directions below)

Location
Culham Court,
Aston,
Henley on Thames,
RG9 3DL

How to get there
NB. If using SatNav, the above postcode is incorrect for directions to the cricket ground, so take the road to Aston village...

FROM THE M4: Leave at Junction 8/9 heading north on the A404 (M) for approximately 2.4 miles, continue onto the A404 for 0.9 miles and take the exit for the A4130 towards Hurley/Henley/Burchetts Green.
Continue straight on the A4130 Henley Road. After about 4 miles turn right down Aston Lane towards Aston and then follow the signs on the right hand side to Culham Court Cricket Ground. [If you reach the Flower Pot pub and car park you have gone too far.]

FROM THE M40: Leave at Junction 4 onto the A404, the Marlow by-pass, and after 3.5 miles go straight over the first roundabout and stay on the A404. Take the slip road for the A4130 to Hurley/Henley/Burchetts Green, taking third exit at the roundabout. Continue straight on the A4130 Henley Road. After about 4 miles turn right down Aston Lane towards Aston and then follow the signs on the right hand side to Culham Court Cricket Ground. [If you reach the Flower Pot pub and car park you have gone too far.]