BB 214 for 4 dec
Belmont House Trustees 179 for 9
Match drawn
On the day of the World Cup final, the Band of Brothers and Belmont House Trustees served up a match every bit as entertaining as France’s 4-2 win over Croatia. It ended in a winning draw for BB, who were unable to claim the final Trustees wicket in the last couple of overs.
BB had set the hosts 215, with Alastair Mavor scoring a classy 72 in extremely hot conditions. He had a reprieve when put down at mid-off early in his innings but after that he looked in complete control, adding 58 for the first wicket with Oscar Ratcliffe (15). Matthew Schilder struck the only six of the day in an entertaining knock before lunch, while skipper Alex Rice and Charlie Hamilton put on 50 to set up the declaration. Brother Rice was 46 not out at the time, so his declaration was either a commendable act of selflessness or blatant jug avoidance.
The Trustees’ reply, as often happens in this fixture, got off to a strong start, adding 85 for the opening wicket. But a run out provided the vital breakthrough and five wickets fell in the next ten overs. The pace of Charlie Hamilton and debutant Robin Pollok, assisted by the smart glovework of Fred Gregory, did much of the damage, while Brother Carl Reading chipped in with two valuable wickets. A special mention must also be given to James Schilder, 10-year-old son of Matthew, who bowled some seriously good leg spinners and was treated with great respect by the batsmen.
Guest spinner Justin Pressland bowled a good long spell without luck but that was nothing compared to Brother Ratcliffe, who saw three catches put down in three consecutive balls. BB didn’t let their heads drop and two late wickets gave them a scent of victory, but the last wicket pair held out comfortably against a tiring attack to finish on 179 for 9.
Special thanks to the Trustees for being such generous hosts and providing a wonderful lunch and tea, which was greatly appreciated by the teams and supporters.