Marble Hill CC 132 all out CrossBats CC 133/4 CrossBats CC win by 6 wickets
CrossBats CC lifted the inaugural Marble Hill Cup after an ultimately comfortable 6 wicket win against the trophy’s eponymous hosts.
Emerging from a COVID-enforced lockdown for the second time in under a year, these two sides – great friends and rivals – converged to battle it out for the English Heritage-sponsored showpiece, which will surely become a permanent fixture in the cricketing calendar following yesterday’s rip roaring success. And what a tonic it was, following a long, gruelling, oft-exasperating winter where we all wondered when the joys of hearing leather on willow, the gentle hum of spectators congregating on village green boundaries and sipping sweet amber nectar with team mates and opponents alike would ever return.
But return they have, albeit in conditions more akin to FA Cup Third Round day in a Baltic January than that of the opening weekend of the domestic cricket season. Buoyed by a rousing speech from our esteemed hosts at English Heritage, Marble Hill went into bat first. However, it was clear from the outset that the mammoth totals posted in Sunday fixtures last campaign would be near impossible to rediscover. These were frankly frightful elements in which to navigate the new ball: Courtney, as is customary, battled bravely to build a platform for the home side and hung around for many an over. However, save for Matthew and Tom, fellow resistance was sorely lacking, although it must be noted that CrossBats’ fielding was exemplary, with 9 of Marble Hill’s 10 wickets falling via catches. The hosts posted 132: a total which seemed perhaps 50 or so light, but at least provided hope. It was a case of new season, new attack for Marble Hill, with Jamie launched into the fray to partner Matthew in the bid to manipulate the new cherry. This writer sought urgent clarification from the scorers when double checking the identity of the latter, since Sanderson appeared to carrying little to no winter padding, as one has come to expect from recent seasons. Confirmation was given that this was indeed a new svelte Sanderson, and quite frankly a part of me died inside. Jamie delivered a blistering opening spell, regularly finding the edge and he duly picked up his first Marble Hill wicket. This was terrific stuff: pace, carry and noticeable lateral movement, as the ball frequently stung the icy palms of his cousin (and avid pizza fan) Joseph behind the stumps. Sanderson also picked up the wicket that his own spell deserved, but Marble Hill were guilty of dropping too many chances, as one of the CrossBats openers knuckled down to score a fine half century. After initially falling behind the required rate, the visitors showed great steel and determination in vile batting conditions to quickly assert control and take the game away from Marble Hill. That didn’t stop Tom from taking two wickets in two balls, however, which warmed the cockles of the home side as the game slipped away. Much enjoyment was found when Will Reed – a new recruit to the team – charged into a throng of Marble Hill players to make a startling announcement. Gathering the attention of this new team mates, he confirmed what, regrettably, we had all feared for some time: Ashley Ironmonger – well known in the liberal media for his woke views is, in fact, a ‘snowflake’. CrossBats ran out comfortable winners in the end, but this was a great occasion, in spite of the arctic conditions. Great to be among friends and sporting enthusiasts again in these often trying times, and here’s hoping for another fantastic season for the club
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