V&A XI:N. C. Mounsey-thear (c) , C. Jonkers, D. Pitlarge, J. Arnold, C. Kulasingham, I. Krunic, M. Krunic, T. Bird, B. Horan, D. Scott, J. Tetlow
After a weekend off to refresh ourselves physically and mentally from our first game of the season, the glorious weather was matched by the upbeat nature of both the V&A players and our enthusiastic and energetic opposition in the Battersea Badgers, who despite actually warming up with a net – as one hears is done these days amongst more serious outfits (England in Australia aside!) – are always a pleasure to play and have become a terrific fixture in our calendar.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat on what looked like a belter of a wicket and a warm day, Battersea were met with some very tight and probing bowling from the V&A’s opening pair of Ilija Krunic and Christiaan Jonkers. After the V&A’s answer to Glenn McGrath let the pitch do its magic and snuck one through Thomas’ defences, Battersea played very solidly on a wicket that was both keeping low and occasionally rearing-up sharply…(one such ball hitting the 6ft plus batsman on the top of his helmet from just short of a length!).
The pressure was building though and with the V&A consistently looking to bowl straight, luncheon was taken with Battersea 60-odd for 3. Steph B delivered another wonderful lunch of jacket potatoes, chilli and salad which was taken outside with the ground and Stonor Park rarely looking better. Thank-you Steph as always. Our Chairman gave a charming AI-sourced few-words and all was well with the world.
Despite the heavy-ish lunch, Christy K (2-19), Mounsey-Thear (1-26) and the brilliant Ilija K (5-23) – no doubt motivated by his brother Marco making his debut for the V&A, welcome sir! – kept plugging away, ably supported by Dominic and Joe, to see Battersea nicely poised for a final push at 150-7 after 33 overs. But the excellent bowling and positive ground fielding was beautifully summed up by Christiaan (2-27) seeing off the tail with Ilija. The highlight coming with an excellent piece of glove-work from Jasper standing up to Christiaan, and Battersea had set the V&A a competitive but get-able 165 all out after 36.3 overs.
As the match format was a hybrid limited overs/timed game, the V&A had 37 overs to knock off the runs and started with a hopeful spirit. Joe Tetlow was looking in fine form until getting an absolute jaffer (pitched off and hit top of off) from the excellent Allwood, who then proceeded to see off both Ben Horan and our debutant M. Krunic for ducks (with very good balls that were straight and skidded through). Despite an unlucky debut, Marco was an excellent addition to the team and we very much look forward to welcoming him back anytime…if nothing else just to experience Nicky Bird not getting a word in when Marco was at square leg!
Through all of this, David Pitlarge was playing very watchfully and acting as a much needed anchor for the innings, and when joined by Jasper (21), they put on the biggest partnership of the innings of 40+. Battersea were fielding brilliantly though and bowling as tightly as the V&A – and forced Chris MT to run himself out, saw off T. Bird after a couple of lusty blows and snuck one through Dominic’s defence. In a position of 112-8 off 32 overs, the captain (CMT) went ‘old-skool’ and instructed Christiaan and Ilija to see things out for a draw which they did gallantly as the warm sunshine was creating long shadows from the fielders crowded around the bat. A picture perfect scene!
The V&A retired to the newly opened Crown in Pishill where we envisage a few more post match debriefs.
Well played Battersea Badgers and we wish you the very best for your season.
An excellent day all round!
