Stragglers of Asia 8 July 2025

Manager Chris Hutton

Lost by 3 Wickets

SOA 116 all out (Ed Phillips 23)

Stragglers of Asia 117 for 7 (Sam Herbet 3 for 39)

All good things must come to an end, winning streaks get broken, luck turns and history is written. Match Manager Hutton had never lost this fixture, since taking it on way back when, but there had been near misses along the way. This fixture was nearly a remarkable victory, which would haver been sweet, but alas not to be..

The Stragglers were suitably attired before the game, with plenty of blazers on show. The amateurs had a couple, but we had a youthful side, learning the ways of all day cricket. Tom Villa, Strags match manager, said he had a good side, as all their teams have been in the centenary year, and duly stuck us in after winning the toss. It was a greenish dryish pitch, still the usual Rowant road though. The Amateurs wasted good conditions and wickets fell to a mixture of good bowling and poor shot selection. Ex pres Phillips top scored, with good contributions from the visiting Jeffries, but a measly 116 all out was always going to be tricky to defend. We did occupy the crease though, as the Strags bowled 50 overs at us….!!

Lunch and tea were provided and there was plenty of fare to go around, all most agreeable…

As the day warmed, the pith got lower and slower and spin was the way. Sam Herbert led from the front, ably supported by Xavier Garvs and Teddy Freida. Wickets fell frequently, but vital runs were scored in between times, but the batters were definitely nervy towards the end. We had them seven down, and nearly on the ropes. Twenty more runs would have done us…! 

Tom was humble in victory, but we both knew it was his first win.. beers were enjoyed after the game and invites extended to the Strags centenary dinner at Lords, for a mere £180…….

Next year, we will see….