BB: 295 for 5 from 46
SAC : 176 for 6 from 46
BB win by 119 runs
On the first day of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations BB hosted the touring SAC from Paris, France. France, a country for which both the traditions of playing cricket and of celebrating the monarchy aren’t perhaps their forte - but none the less, this SAC side, embarked on on their tour of Kent against The BB at Marden on a sunny morning in early June.
The SAC won the toss and decided to have a bowl. BB , boasting a strong batting lineup got off to a steady start, with Brother Burnap and Brother Pask both looking like men in form. It was to be Brother Burnap’s day in the sun, a truly masterful display nudging, cutting and carving his way to 166 not out. As Her Majesty would attest, to serve one’s country or indeed ones cricket club for any meaningful length of time, one needs a strong relationship to lean on. With Pask, N. Bryan and Boucher all getting starts, but not sticking with with him, Burnap welcomed support from his Prince Philip for the day in the form of Brother Bryant. Stoic, Steady, with a touch of class, Bryant played very nicely for 40 before Brother Connell and then Brother Regan added another 36 runs between them.
BB declare on 295 - for 5 from 46
The SAC started well, seeing off the BB opening attack of Double Meredith. Both H & W Meredith, coming off their long run-ups bowled very tightly. Brother Regan at first change, made the break through getting The SAC opener caught by Bryant at first slip. An excellent spell from Brother Simmons made the run chase look less and less likely, as wickets began to fall at both ends, the SAC switched to survival mode. On field subs of (Future Brother) Finn Kirkland and (Future Brother) Sam Holden-Crawford both bowled excellently, with Sam taking 2 wickets in 2 balls.
The win always felt possible, but The SAC batsman did enough to keep the mighty BB at bay. They finished on 176 for 6 from 46.
Brother Burnap was duly presented with the MoM bottle of Champagne and Brother Boucher, with some french wine - surely not for his sporting declaration. The SAC as generous as ever and we were so pleased to host them again after what has been two years without this fixture.
Afterwards in the Marden CC bar, we raised a glass to the Queen for a fine innings.
