Sandford St Martin 30 July 2024

Manager Ben Madden

Lost by 5 Wickets

SOA 220 for 3 dec (Alex Ross 81, Frankie Crouch 43*, Sam Hicks 40*)

Sandford St Martin 221 for 5 

Run fest at the Cotswold Coliseum

 With the toss successfully negotiated (the match manager managing to actually show up on time this year) SOA chose to bat first in spite of suggestions it might be fun to chase.

 Ross and McGrady opened up nicely in the face of some tidy bowling, setting a solid foundation, allowing the lower order a chance to sample some of the offerings at the bar. Ross would ultimately accelerate nicely, making 81 off 66 balls. A particular highlight of the fielding display saw Junaid dismissed by a “Stokes claw catch” a feat enjoyed by everybody (well almost everybody).

The latter part of the innings saw Hicks and Crouch share a swift partnership. Indeed, SOA grandees Andrews and Smith were overheard raving about the timing of their attendance to ensure they caught Crouch’s clean clunking. They were no doubt disappointed when the innings was declared on 220 off 38 overs with Crouch scoring 49* off 30 balls.

Banbury youngsters Pearson and Holmes opened the bowling. Spurred on by a lively slip cordon led by fellow Banburyite Pres Phillips both beat the bat regularly. Holmes was particularly dangerous taking two wickets in two balls and continually caused problems to the right handers with neither inside edge nor outside edge safe.

In spite of the early top order dismissals Sandford St. Martin, led by 90s cocktail favourite “Cosmo”, set a good platform which they would use to step on the gas. Despite strong spells from both Pres and Foster SSM not only kept up with the rate but looked in danger of cruising home as they were able to plunder 84 runs from overs 11-20, leaving them in a very strong position at drinks. Cosmo would go on to make a fantastic century earning the plaudits of the crowd and, following the game, the presentation of an SSM cap from Jim Howe.

Shortly after drinks, SOA turned to Hicks and Woodward, a mixture of tall (and middle aged) left arm spin and taller (and teenage) right arm pace. With guile at one end and fire and brimstone at the other it looked like SOA might turn the tide as the run rate fell and 3 wickets fell in quick succession. However, Robey, supported ably by the SSM youngsters, would ensure that Sandford secured the win for consecutive years in the last over of the day.

 As always a big thank you to all at SSM who put in the effort to make sure this is a great fixture at a wonderful venue.