Bray win Ted Bowers Cup

Posted on September 8, 2009

The Bray took on local rivals Edlesborough on Sunday for the Ted Bowers Cup (who was a long-time stalwart of both clubs), unfortunately the Cup's whereabouts is unknown so wasn't actually presented!!

A fairly strong Bray side was assembled for this annual clash, with the inclusion of a couple of senior 1st teamers strengthening the usual compliment of Sunday regulars. 1st teamer and Sunday captain Peacock again won the toss and decided to make first use of a decent looking Boro pitch.

Thing began badly for the Bray when the mobile scoreboard tipped over in a gust of wind and struck skipper Peacock on the head. Whilst the skipper received some attention from nurse Coughtrey the scoreboard will need to be replaced next year.

Bray fortunes then dropped even further in the 2nd over when Ollie Wilson was run out for a Diamond Duck (out without facing a ball) for the second time this season, looking for an improbable 3rd.

The rest of the Bray's innings consisted of lots of decent cameos, Chop 41, Flecknell jnr 36, a concussed 36 from the skipper and a very impressive 38 from 14 year old Charlie Tickell. Eventually the Bray finishing on 169-9 after their 40 overs. All batsmen struggling on the pitch which hardly bounced, belying its look earlier on.

A good opening spell of right arm slow from Coughtrey opened things up for the Bray bowling wise, fellow opener Craig Westley proving a little expensive until he found his line and length. The fall of regular wickets kept the Boro score in check and a fine period of spin from Bray's 3 spinners put the kibosh on the Boro's chase. Loopy leg spin from Wilson, quick leg spin from Flecknell and left arm orthodox from Jones proving too much for the Boro batsman on a turning wicket. Indeed Jones's 7 overs, 2 wickets for 6 runs being the best he's bowled all season and probably the best since 2007 or even 1987. (Anyone yet fallen asleep?)

The introduction of young Charlie Tickell, Jake Barker and Zak Churchyard finished off the overs with Edlesborough limping to 120ish for 7. With Charlie taking 2 wickets to claim the Man of the Match Award.

A number of players from both teams were still seen socialising in the Bell at nearly midnight, showing the camadarie between these two teams.

Its hoped that Edlesborough CC continue as a cricket club for many years to come to allow plenty more days an evenings like this.

Barm try getting the facts right before writing the report!! Ask for the scorebook in future, or as agreed allow me!! That's also the first toss I have won in weeks!

-- Twirler et al

Scorecard

• Result: Eaton Bray CC - Friendly XI Won by 49 runs
• Date: Sun 6th Sep 2009 @ 13:30
• Ground: The Edlesborough Oval
• Type: Friendly
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: Friendly XI won the toss and decided to bat

Update 21-Sep-09 - Ted Bowers Cup Found Shocker

Having played Edlesborough CC 2 weeks ago for the Ted Bowers Cup, it was discovered after the game (which the Bray won) that the Cup was nowhere to be found.

In a surprise turn of events the Ted Bowers Cup has been found by Paul "Chopper" Harris after a spot of cleaning, it is assumed that it was discovered on the Harris's mantlepiece where it had pride of place next to Chopper's gold medal for winning the U9s Egg & Spoon race whilst he was at school in 1965.

Once removed from the mantlepiece (if possible), where it is beleived to have resided since Chopper was skipper of the victorious Bray team of 1982, it shall pollished and presented to Josh Peacock, the 2009 skipper, at the Annual Presentation Night.

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club