Newlands CC: 264 - 7 off 35 overs
St Michaels: 217 all out off 31 overs
MOM : J. Varley (50*, 3 wickets, 1 catch)
Champagne Moment :A. Ohlson (Stunning diving caught and bowled to remove A.Pask)
The players gathered for the 6th annual Big Little Bash (Very Village) Charity Cricket game between the holders St Michaels Vs the challengers Newlands CC.
At the toss it was Ferrett who called correctly, putting Boucher’s Bad Apples into Bat on a dustbowl at Norton sports ground. The casual cricketers’ preference is often to field first, get it done with and then settle into an afternoon of beers and burgers. Boucher in fact receiving several pre-match messages from team members requesting just that outcome. However, it wasn’t to be and it would be St Michaels chasing down the total set by Newlands.
T.Boucher and newly promoted J.Varely opening up for Newlands took to the field. Varley, with a self proclaimed “shift in mindset” was keen to start positively and he did just that. R. Jennings and H. Simmons struggled to contain Varley and Boucher’s early runs. Varley playing a “Root-esque” dab first ball, before carving a cover drive for 4 to the hoots and howls of his team mates and the coo’s of the arriving spectators.
This was quickly looking like a good toss to loose as the ball raced to all corners of the ground across a lightning quick outfield. A 50 partnership was up in no-time and Boucher retiring at 30* made way for debutant G.Cave. More runs flowed before Cave was brilliantly caught by Ferrett off the bowling of T.Bell. A textbook, seaming delivery, genuine edge and a smart catch. We all agreed…it felt like proper cricket.
Next up, Newlands’ number 4, A.Ohlson has been one of the most consistent performers in this fixture since records began. After watchfully playing W.Jennings’ mystery spin with the respect it deserved, Ohlson settled into his rhythm, nudging, driving and smashing his way to 30*. At the other end, Varley, also made 30*. One of the great innings of this fixture, played with such freedom, joy and a dash of “WTF”. In the middle overs, A.Pask, bowling with laser-sharp focus was cause for concern, B. Hamilton survived an early LBW shout, deemed to be going down leg, despite Ferrett’s desperate cries of disbelief. Hamilton, playing “busy cricket” kept the run rate ticking, until Pask had his revenge, clinically removing Hamilton’s off stump bail. Well bowled sir.
Debutant, R.Perkins came to the crease for a history-making 1 run, before being brilliantly caught by T.Bell of the bowling of Pask. Perkins, unlucky not to bat for longer after such a promising start to her innings.
W.Hutchins, J. Archer and D. Salhi all fell without scoring with A.Kaushal ripping through the Newlands lower order. On a day new batting heroes were made, D. Hudson looked to join Varley in adopting this new brand of positive batting - but he too fell to the devastating Kaushal spell for just 2 runs.
D.Hudson survives an LBW shout from Pask
Newlands CC’s J.Archer keeping topped up with a sunscreen-moisturiser hybrid product.
It was no surprise when Number 7, B.Regan went big. His 30* came quick sharp. There is no safe place to park your car when Regan is in this sort of mood. Leave your car at home, take the train.
Newlands’ retired batsman were able to return and Boucher (66*) , Varley (50*) , Ohlson (37) and Regan (58*) took the Bad Apples to a hefty score of 264 from their 35 overs. Varley finishing with a career best and inspiring his teammates with what may become a generation defining innings.
Tea was taken.
It was time for St Michaels’ reply. W.Jennings and Debutant A.Bryant set about their work seeing off a threatening opening spell from G. Gave coming down the hill. It was J. Archer who got the breakthrough. Archer, striving to repeat the scenes of 2018’s famous “Pask Ball” instead had Jennings caught at square leg. With Bryant motoring to his 30* it was time for Pask to join H. Simmons at the crease. A dangerous partnership that could easily make inroads into the total. A meaningful partnership here and the game was St Michael’s to loose. Ohlson, bowling his tricky tweakers produced a moment of magic - diving to his left to snaffle a ball Pask had aimed to drive back past him. This was later judged to be the Champagne moment - a worthy winner.
Simmons continued to pile on the runs and when he reached 30*, A. Kaushal and E.Herbert took over the mantle. These two calling on their intuitive understanding of each others batting game having played cricket together since they were 13. Some very cheeky singles were taken, some very classy cricket shots were played. Newlands, however, stopped these two dominating batters from dominating. A very tidy and timely 5 overs from W.Hutchins was a key spell in the game. Hutchins’ great hair flopping and flapping across his face and eyes in complete juxtaposition with the clinical nature of his bowling. With some scoreboard pressure building both Herbert and Kaushal attempted to release the valve. Herbert falling to, by his own admission, an ugly swipe across the line, bowled Regan. Kaushal was out soon after, picking out D.Salhi in the deep. Salhi, playing in his first ever game of cricket, guzzled the ball with delight and relief.
St Michael’s skipper, J.Ferrett came to the crease with his side needing to kick on. After hitting an attractive boundary Ferret fell victim to a flighty one from Regan, bowled for 6 runs. J.Harbidge followed soon after, spooning one to Hutchins at point, off some devilish bowling by Varley, who was now channelling his “day of days” energy into his bowling.. Varley found himself on a hat-trick after Jennings fell first ball. No hat-trick, but a third wicket did come Varley’s way, bowling S.Wright for 6. Varley’s greedy hoard for the day looked like 50*, 3 wickets and a catch for good measure. MoM status confirmed.
T.Bell showed able resistance, giving some hope to St Michael’s as their retired batsman returned to partner him. Eventually with Bryant (51) and Simmons (34) at the crease and the game still alive, Boucher turns to Cave. Cave takes 2 wickets in the 31st over to win the game. St Michaels are done. It’s over. 216 and well short. Newlands regain their title and move to 4-2 in the all time standings.
A hell of day and many many thanks must be given to everybody to attend and put some money through the bar and the BBQ. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day happen, including Norton CC for preparing a fantastic wicket on which to play.
We look forward to hosting you again next year.
The Big Little Bash Team. XXX
