4s vs Basingstoke Capitals 17.05.25

The 4s arrived at Stratton Park to take on new opposition Basingstoke Capital CC. Three changes, with Sheff replacing St John, who was either off to bat for England or protecting his average after last week, debutant Nick Rudd coming in for Joe who was still cooling down, and Lars replacing both Drew and Angus for their various injuries.

Basingstoke Capital won the toss and inserted us on a tricky-looking pitch. This was to the relief of small Nic, who was the latest person to leave his kit at home, and was spared being successor to the Jamie Le Roux throne of fielding in shorts.

Matt and Aidy got us off to another strong start, with Aidy in particular finding the boundary early-on. The pitch wasn't easy, and Matt wore one on the hand that popped up off a length, ensuring our ‘at least one injury per game’ record continued.

Nic Riches was also entertaining the masses while umpiring at square leg with his dancing. Many a golf shot played too though given the lack of putting we assume Nic struggled to find the green. Our Green however was not struggling to find the boundary as Aidy kept going, even playing a shot that was 60% lofted drive, 40% moo that flew to the cover boundary, as our openers set another strong platform.

Matt (12) was bowled shortly after the change of umpires (62-1 from 15.5), much to the alarm of our next bat Sheff, who was on the throne at the time. Wipe, wash hands, repad and run out to the middle all completed without alarms thankfully!

Aidy brought up his well-made half-century with a shot I missed while sorting drinks. However Aidy (50) did revive an old cliche as he was dismissed first ball after the break, 70-2.

Netty joined Sheff in the middle as both reminded us that it wasn't an easy pitch to start on. Sheff (1) got himself in then out, before Netty (6) saw one pass his head, keep out the grubber, before kicking a straight one.

80-4 from 26 and in need of an injection of pace. Call-to-arms answered by Stenners and Charlie who put on another important partnership, riding out the tricky pitch before peppering the boundary. Charlie in particular showed his Dad the benefit of the good-old giving it a whack.

Stenners (19) picked out the forty-five just as he was looking dangerous, while Nic (?) and Charlotte (1) struggled to get going. Charlie (36*) however continued blasting to all parts, and helped us get to 147-8 with the help of Lars (1).

After the return of bring your own teas (thanks to Lily providing the team with Brownies, even if I didn't get one…), it was time for a game of pick-a-Nick as Rudd and Riches opened together. Both bowled good areas but struggled to stop aggressive openers finding the boundary. Junior Nic (0-23) bowled some threatening deliveries, but it was Senior Nic who found the breakthrough, thanks to an excellent catch by Netty behind the stumps (46-1).

Merlot and Charlotte were into the attack and managed to slow the rate, thanks to some enthusiastic fielding from our pair of Nick's and El Sheffe. The skipper bowled his opposite number before the number three skied one, that Netty safely settled under, as we crept back into the game.

Charlotte (0-28) couldn't quite find her length and was placed by Tall Nick, who found a beautiful line outside off, and Merlot (2-16) lost his line so brought on Lars as we looked for more wickets.

The Mosesson Magic made an instant impact as Lars beat the dangerous number four for lack of pace, and Nick (2-34) found a wicket thanks to Aidy at a deep mid-off on the ⅔, 117-5.

We continued searching for more but unfortunately Basingstoke Capital saw it home. Unfortunately another loss but a lot to be encouraged about as we pushed a top team.

Player of the Match: Aidy Green 50(61). Can also claim some of Charlie's runs too by virtue of giving life to him.

Muppet of the week: Nic Riches, for leaving his kit at home and then rather comically falling off his chair while we were batting.

Huge thanks to Dan for his photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1G6l2UgipQddTDmkLxzd6K13yeO5O-IQi

Scorecard: https://odihamandgreywell.play-cricket.com/website/results/6700898