Sun Aug 4th Match Drawn
Photo gallery
Players
Match report
"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother..."
The passage that provided inspiration for the name of our famous opponents seemed somewhat apt to describe the post-match feelings of the Grannies who took to the field for year's fixture against the Band of Brothers. For on the way to this hard-fought draw we all felt, at times, as if we were on the wrong end of a blood-bath. The BB's came fully manned with a characteristic band of young and extremely able cricketers and, on a beautiful wicket, and with the assistance of a billiard table outfield at Torry Hill, they put on a huge 374 for 3 before declaring after 38.3 overs.
Early on Daniel Maroske (candidate) bowled venomously but without luck from one end inflicting a couple of painful bruises with his pace and bounce. At the other Tom Bell (candidate) worked hard, picking up an early wicket but, as Maroske pinned the BB's down at the other end, he found them targeting him from the off. Before long, as the ball softened on a flat wicket, the BB's were well into their stride and, in 3 partnerships, amassed their insurmountable total. Special mention should go to their two Centurions, Humphrey (103) and Regan (156) whose partnership set the tone for the BB's innings and included some exceptional strokes.
All credit to the band of Grannies brothers who stood side-by-side in the field and never allowed their heads to drop. The other 2 wicket-takers, Maroske and Kapil Gupta (candidate) bowled well and both Maroske and Skipper, Newcomb, saw several chances shelled at critical times, sufficient to provoke a number of "what ifs" over the table at lunch and tea.
In reply, Jay Brinsmead-Stockham and Andrew De Mestre (candidate) started brightly but De Mestre (17) offered up an easy catch immediately after he had struck a huge 6 and looked as if he could bat all day.
Determined not to succumb to the pressure applied by the BB's in the field, with some exceptional fielding and quality bowling, Stockham (102) and Number 3, Newcomb (59), dug in. Their 150 partnership was a very considerable positive on a difficult day for the Grannies and, having occupied the crease together for an hour and a half, they had all but secured the draw. As Gordon Poole (candidate) (15) then ably supported Stockham as he reached his flawless 100. Very few Centurions reach 100 without good fortune but this was an innings without chances for the opposition and with barely a false stroke to speak of. It was genuinely a pleasure to watch him bat on a beautiful sunny evening at the picturesque Torry Hill. An impressive 220 for 2 was the Grannies' final total off 46 overs.
Overall, this was a spirited performance and the Grannies who took to the field can hold their heads high, hold their manhoods anything but cheap, and after shedding a little metaphorical blood along the way to their hard-earned draw, can consider themselves brothers indeed.
Match info
A competitive fixture against the famous BB which always produces some excellent cricket. This year it is to be played at the beautiful Torry Hill, home of Lord Kingsdown.
Location
Torry Hill,
Sittingbourne,
ME9 0SP
How to get there
From M20 J8 take A20 (Lenham). At roundabout by the Ramada Inn turn L Hollingbourne (B2163).
Turn R at crossroads at the top of hill (Ringlestone Rd). Thereafter Frinsted-Doddington, then Torry Hill signs.
From M2 J5 take A249 towards Maidstone then 1st L (Bredgar), L again (Bredgar/Milstead), then Torry Hill signs from Milstead.