B&FCC update: thrilling finishes and runs galore
Three home matches to report on this month – against Abingdon, Northampton Eaglets and the return fixture with Eydon.
Abingdon’s visit saw another great effort by the groundsman to prepare the wicket and an earlier start to avoid the worst of the weather. Despite losing the toss, stand-in captain Stephen Nelligan manipulated his bowlers to good effect restricting the visitors to 105 from the allotted 25 overs. Will and George Dicks were the pick of the home attack with two wickets each.
In reply new club member Roger Wilson and Dan Currie laid a solid opening foundation with 27 and 23. Stephen Nelligan then played a captain’s innings before retiring on 25, leaving it to George and Alfie Dicks to hit the winning runs and a seven-wicket victory with one over to spare.
The visit of Northampton Eaglets saw an exciting run chase end dramatically with the home side eight runs short of what would have been a memorable victory. Fielding first, the visitors were quickly reduced to 16-5 with Graeme Whitcroft taking four quick wickets helped by some excellent work in the field. Malcolm Alphonso chipped in with two wickets and took three catches. But the Eaglets recovered from their poor start to pile on the runs as the warm, humid conditions took their toll on the home attack, finishing on 204.
In reply the home side got off to a quickfire start from openers Toby Bell and Stephen Nelligan, ably supported later by Chris Pratska, Olly Webb and Ryan Haynes. With 15 balls remaining and three wickets in hand 15 were still required to win. But the Eaglets responded superbly with some outstanding late bowling wrapping up the match as the home side were all out for 196.
Cricket was definitely the winner with over 400 runs scored on a beautiful Sunday with a good attendance. Special mention to captain Charlie Ashmore’s daughters who presented a delicious cake bake to raise money for a good cause. Many thanks, much appreciated!
The following Sunday saw another close finish with B&FCC falling an agonising three runs short in the last over chasing 143. Home highlights included solid batting from Roger Wilson, Dan Currie and Alfie Dicks with the bowling honours going to George Dicks and Peter Mayne.
The club are currently still playing according to ECB guidance but following the latest delay in reducing lockdown restrictions, there is still hope that the pavilion will be fully re-opened in July. The club have decided against providing teas for the rest of the season however, continuing to use the mobile coffee van Nuts for your Coffee which has been a real boost especially as April and May were far colder than normal.
Matches continue to be played every Sunday with a couple of midweek T20 games also in the calendar.
Dairy date: this year’s club day is on Sunday 15 August (2pm start) – cricket, BBQ, bar and raffle. All welcome.
The club welcomes all new players – men, women, teenagers and children. Membership fees: full £50, playing £30, social £20, junior £10. Anyone interested in joining B&FCC please contact chairman Andy Nightingale via e-mail andynightingale23@gmail.com
Thanks to everyone in Badby and the surrounding villages for your continued support. The club has lots going on over the coming months, but as ever, none of this possible without your active participation.
Forthcoming fixtures: Sunday 20 June Willoughby (H), Sunday 27 June Pattishall (H), Sunday 4 July Spencer Bruerne (H), Sunday 11 July Buckingham (A, 1pm start). Matches start at 2pm unless stated.
Taster sessions for women and juniors
Badby&Farthingstone Cricket Club are running taster sessions for women or juniors interested in getting into cricket. These will be held at the ground (Long Roods, Chapel Lane, Badby NN11 3AQ) throughout July and August evenings.
We won’t be offering formal coaching at these taster sessions but we will make our nets and equipment available for anyone that wants to try chucking a ball or swinging a bat. Of course you are welcome to bring your own equipment too. There will be club members on hand to facilitate things and chat to you about the club and what we offer. N.B. Parents are requested to remain with their children for the Junior sessions.
Dates are:
Women –
Weds 7 July 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 14 July 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 21 July 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 28 July 6:30 – 8pm
Juniors –
Weds 4 August 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 11 August 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 18 August 6:30 – 8pm
Weds 25 August 6:30 – 8pm
If you are interested in coming along to any of the sessions please email andynightingale234@gmail.com so we have an idea of numbers.
Graeme Whitcroft