Courtesy of Malcolm West

We won the Toss and predictably batted first. Against average bowling Marc and Coxy piled on the runs relentlessly until Martin was given out bowled in a way, was he; wasn’t he (WG Grace moment replacing the bails) incident?  The middle order arrived and mostly got in the order of 20 and out as we set a big total, significant support being provided by newbie Charlie Bethell with 77. Marc fell on 114 and we totalled out with a massive 310-6 from 40 overs, the par score on the new wicket needs some serious revision upwards!

After a delicious tea Barton Abbey started their reply…slowly and were never in touching distance of chasing Blenheim’s record home score in David’s memory. Sadly their opening bat,  who complained of a low pitch, got a rising delivery in the crown jewels and soon was caught behind the wicket off George Talbot by Stan the man catch them if you can – he could – and caught 3 behind the stumps but did not celebrate much!

A good opening spell by George Talbot bagged another and Phil looking like he was back to his best but remaining wicketless as they defended. Will Cox bowled a tight spell but couldn’t tempt them to play and so it fell to the ‘2^ndstring’ spin attack to get a break through.  First blood to Allan with his first wicket in a year , last week batting at 5 this week first change at the desirable walker end , whatever next?  Then West bagged one and a change of end the floodgates opened ending with 4-30. The last wicket popped up as an easy catch to Allan was shelled and the returning Talbot bagged the last wicket in the last over as BPCC bagged a 160 run (yes don’t adjust your sets) victory at 8pm.  Those of us still allowed out after 8pm retired to the kings to drink at Marc’s pleasure. 2 tons in three weeks only separated by a run out looks like the batting cup may be sown up already – if we can find it!