New look Strollers draw even with old foes Chippenham
posted: August 18, 2013

Even a career best 71 not out from Gavin was not quite sufficient to see a very new-look Strollers get over the line in a fine day of cricket in the peerless surroundings of Chippenham on Sunday. Set 203 to win, after a sporting and competitive declaration by Al Wright, skippering Chippers, the Strollers fell 24 runs short with five wickets in hand and could, perhaps, have pushed along the scoring more aggressively during what was otherwise a fine 145-run partnership between Spencer and Gav.

That the game took place at all was something of a minor miracle. Only four regular Strollers were available – the skipper, Gav, Spencer and Harsh. A combination of holidays, irksome family commitments, even more irksome work commitments and injuries (one of which occurred during a holiday, so constituting a double-whammy absence), put a lot of regulars out of contention but, thanks largely to the energy and effort of Ron Banerjee (who played his first game for the Strollers at Sandon, and is now forever famous for having been escorted from the ground mid-way through game in a chauffeur-driven black Mercedes, still fully padded up) a further four players were drawn into the net. These were Joseph, a quickish Aussie opening bowler and aggressive middle order bat, Henry, a very competent ‘keeper and opening bat, Peter, a medium pace seamer who took 3-25, and Alipak, another middle order bat who was described to the skipper as a man who likes his beer. (I see no reason to dissent from this judgment — Ed).

After a feat of logistical planning to equal the Normandy landings, involving cars, trains and lifts from railways stations, all 9 arrived in Chippers and we were gifted another player by Chippers – a very lively South African bowler and brilliant fielder called Charlie. It has to be said, that these additions to normal playing staff not only raised the mean Stroller skill level by an appreciable quotient they also lowered the mean age by some 10 years.

On a wicket much grassier than the normal Chippers pitch usually the colour of New Zealand honey, the skipper opened the bowling with Joe from the other end after winning the toss and electing to field. The skipper bowled tidily at no great pace (sigh) and got more seam movement than he has one 6 previous visits to Chippers combined but it was Joe, from the other end, who made the breakthrough. He saw Ward advancing down the wicket and bowled him, shortly thereafter hitting the top of Fishpool’s off stump.

When the dangerous and talented Eddie Waites, a long-time adversary of the Strollers, was caught behind for just 9 off the bowing of Charlie Ratley, working up a fair pace, things were looking better than usual for the Strollers. Normally we take about three wickets for about 230 runs. But there is always a deep reservoir of talent at Chippenham and young Sean Ward forged a good partnership with the less free-scoring opener Thuillez and the runs mounted, Ward pulling hard and often over mid-wicket on his way to a quick fire 77. There was a flurry of late wickets when Peter Madden bowled Thuillez, bowled Andy Holmes first ball and then had ‘keeper Nick Bryant caught mesmerizingly effortlessly by in the deep by Charlie Ratley. Earlier Charlie had got a hand, diving full length, to a full blooded cut from Fishpool off the skipper’s bowling and was very aggrieved he hadn’t clung on. Onlookers who know him were surprised he hadn’t. Obviously they do fielding differently at Chippenham.
The innings was declared by Al at 202 for 6, giving us about 13 overs after tea until the final 20 started at 6pm (half an hour earlier than normal to give the train-bound contingent time to make the last train to London from Kennett.

After a tea that is still, justly, the nonpareil to which all other teas must be compared (and compared unfavourably), the Strollers opened the batting with Gav and débutant Henry Jones. Young Sean Ward, fresh as paint from his 77, opened the bowling and was quickish and straight, while his dad, more military medium but with away swing, took the other end.  Henry, after one lovely off drive, was trapped in front by Ward senior and thus began the partnership between Gav and Spencer which took up the greater part of the Strollers innings.

Though he rode his luck from time to time, with keeper Nick – standing up to the quicker boys – missing a couple of sharp chances to his obvious profound chagrin, Gav played superbly. The big feller cut square of the wicket to anything short and hoisted several over long on. It was great for all onlookers to see him make his 50 (at his favourite ground) and then go on to record a career best knock.

Spencer played excellently as well was rarely in trouble and played some characteristic lofted drives and runs down to third man. There was, however, a sense that we could have put the foot down a little harder a little earlier as the asking rate climbed from an original 6.5 an over to 8, and 9, and 10. Certainly the troops were getting a little restive on the boundary.

By the time Gav retired at 71 not out, and young and eager Ranamit came in to bat, around 12 an over was required. After Spencer was out bowled trying to push it along, Harsh joined Ron at the crease and new urgency took over.  But it was too late in the day, and the Strollers were at 178 for 4 by the time the final ball of the final 20 was bowled.

Perhaps the win should have been ours but a winning draw at Chippenham is no mean achievement, when one considers some of the spankings we have had handed to us over the years. Given all the obstacles, it was also some achievement to have got the game on at all, and, as one stood outside the Tharp in the gloaming and discussed the game with our unfailingly gracious hosts, one could not help but be glad that that was so and that we had played another game at a club that plays such an integral and valued role in the life of the village.

Al is out on the square watering it at dawn, he told me, but there are also volunteer ladies who score immaculately, volunteer ladies that produce the king of all teas, the local vicar who turned up for a cup of tea and a chat, fathers and sons in the same team, old gents in panama hats gently strolling around the outfield, while the manor house clock musically chimes the quarter hour. All this, and much more, is to be celebrated.

yet
Stands the Church clock at ten to three?
And is there honey still for tea?

Simon Boughey
19.08.13

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