It was a textbook day of cricket. The weather was fine throughout, the Stonor valley looked a resplendent study in emerald in the late spring, the very essence of the English countryside; both lunch and tea, prepared by the saintly Megan Ashcroft in spite (or possibly because) of a ten month old daughter, were delicious and the cricket was, for the most part, a tight and good natured contest. Unlike the V&A most of the NTs have a connection to that august institution; however on this occasion late illness to a couple of regulars saw substitutes drafted in from Brighton. The wicket might, as usual, have benefitted from a bit more rolling and mowing. The crease at one end was marked at such a rakish angle as to cast doubt on the sobriety of its executor. The NT, who won the toss and invited the V&A to bat, took full advantage […]