Hampset Tour - Titchbourne Park

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On my way to the ground I passed a car going in the opposite direction driven by someone who must be on a cricket tour. The point we passed was by an entrance with a sign saying "Titchboure Park, Private Road".

I went on for a few miles, before turning back and going up the drive, which eventually led to the secluded ground, I arrived exactly at the same time as the other car.

Tim was the captain for the day, the team seemed to be suffering the effects of two nights and one day on tour, but (or therefore?) Tim chose to bat. I was at four and very soon in, and out shortly afterwards. At 30-5 it seemed like I may get another chance in a beer game!

Jon Solly, as usual this year, came to the rescue with some sensible leaves and


shots & slogs. Scoring 71. Ben Voutt chipped in with 17,

There were some classic shots, that looked good


but didn't contribute a lot.

There were less classy shots


We gave Tichbourne Park some catching practice


and they showed us that they were already well practiced at catching.


Adam played and missed:



but still managed a run.



Ryan got the benefit of the doubt on a stumping as the third umpire was asleep.



A silly run out left the final score at:



All of this was wathced from under the Gazebo, or revolutionary covering system, according Colin, and to the great interest of the Cricket Manager, 1st XI captain & President.




After an excellent tea, there was some enthusiasm in the field, the Aussie taking two catches, Ed encouraged by me to bowl a quick one did so and the vicious short pitched rising ball hit the top of the stumps.

Ryan could have been taken off by the captain or the umpire (3 beamers, one at their 13 year old), but kept on he took three wickets and eventually managed to bowl an over consisting of only six deliveries.

James Dorey, bowled well and could have had 5 wickets if he had bowled a straight one at their number 11. The skipper had 3 overs failing to do the same and finally Ben Voutt managed it and the tourists won by six runs.

Solly was awarded the Garland of honour, in spite of some abysmal bowling


A few drinks and laughs after the game, before we dragged ourselves away.