Tour Reports

Captain's Tour Report 2021

by Andrew and Callum Carson

Match Results: LDWLWW

Touring party: A. Carson & C. Carson (Tour Managers), T. Allen, R. Chalk, D. Ellis, J. Ellis, A. Gorton, K. Grey, N. Kanabar, R. Lawrence, A. Lawton, C. Lawton, A. Marshall, O. Marshall, T. Marshall, J. McCarthy, J. O’Gorman, T. McLeod, M. Ogden, S. Slabbert, J. Stanier, N. Trivedi, S. Walsh, M(c). Williams, J Wright

Entourage: G. Prain, C. Quinn, M(k). Williams, A. Marshall, K. Carson, H. Cawker, L. Powell, Z. Siddiqi, T.Blythe , Mr and Mrs J. Lawton, S. Murray, K. Gregg, J. Dandridge, J. Stanier, A. Stanier.

Day 1

Overs: Frogs 230-7 (40 overs) A. Lawton 75* lost to East Woodhay 234-4 (39.1 overs) by six wickets

After COVID-19 caused the 2020 Western Tour to be reduced to two games, there was bumper excitement for a full week in 2021. This was matched by what must be record availability over the six days with a total of 25 players representing the Frogs!

The first game of the week was at East Woodhay, The Frogs’ third visit to the picturesque ground in Wiltshire. After the extraordinary game the year before which we still don’t think Neerav Trivedi has recovered from there were high expectations (https://frogscricket.odoo.com/page/tourreports-2020)!

In the 40 over game skipper Andrew Carson won the toss and elected to bat on what looked a good wicket that might take some turn. Selecting Kieran Grey to open the batting with him was perhaps not the wisest move on this occasion as the lack of footwork induced by a severe hangover saw him feather behind for seven. He then disappeared to find a cold towel and a shady spot which was probably the best result for everyone.

Andrew Lawton joined Carson, with the skipper continuing to be positive and look very much in control before trying to flick one over mid-wicket off the seamer, only to find the hands of mid-on to depart for a run a ball 45 and when Owen Marshall was bowled first ball the Frogs were 77-3 in the 13^th over. Slabbert and Lawton steadied the ship through drinks with Slabs bringing out one or two famous shovels over/through mid-wicket in his 20 before lobbing one in the air to be caught. The Frogs at 112-4 in the 24^th needed to accelerate and Tom Marshall provided this and was very proactive, turning the strike over and finding six boundaries before being caught for 40 (38 balls). From here the task was to continue to push on and Chris Lawton (3), Neal Kanabar with some swashbuckling stroke play (13 from 7 balls) perished in doing just that. Joe McCarthy finished 5* with a boundary that he almost fully swivelled round on and hit behind him just past the keeper!

While a number of batters came and went there was a very steady influence for the Frogs in the shape of Andrew Lawton who took them out of a tricky phase having lost two wickets in two balls and continued to tick over the strike, ending up on his highest score for the Frogs in an excellently made 75*. The end result being that the Frogs closed on 230-7 in their 40 overs which was probably about par.

Unfortunately there were no teatime scenes at East Woodhay to replicate the 2019 Headingley Ashes drama, instead all players and spectators in keeping with the 2020 & 2021 seasons and COVID-19 regulations brought their own teas. There was nothing spectacular to mention apart from Graham Prain, the Frogs’ president, who had arrived to watch the game. He had brought a tremendous spread of proper homemade sandwiches with chutney, some cheese and biscuits and a bottle of beer to top it off – the rest of us looked on rather enviously.

Back on the field after tea, Neerav Trivedi opened the bowling with Jack Ellis – hoping to build on their success from 2020, whilst Tom Marshall complained about his fitness and did not wear his bowling boots. However, the East Woodhay openers were particularly fluent and untroubled as they started well reaching 50-0 in the 9^th over. There was nearly a moment of brilliance from Kieran Grey who had been stationed at leg gully off Trivedi by captain Carson for one that was flicked down the legside on the angle. He was not there for the full blooded pull shot but very nearly managed to pull off a stunner with his left hand but couldn’t quite cling on. Thoughts again turned to Kieran’s preparation the previous evening.

Tom Allen was brought on to replace Trivedi and Chris Lawton to replace Ellis but again neither could find a breakthrough, though Tom bowled well despite his dissatisfaction with some of his deliveries and had tidy figures of 5-0-22-0. At drinks East Woodhay had reached 120-0 from 20 overs and had looked in little trouble. Owen Marshall and Neal Kanabar (bowling off-spin after impressing Carson in a game earlier in the year) were brought in to the attack after drinks as the Frogs went for the spin approach on a wicket that was offering something. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out as the Woodhay openers continued on with their stroke play and Owen’s last over saw a delivery that ended up at backward point – time for a change!

The last 12 overs saw East Woodhay needing 64 with ten wickets in hand and the game looked gone. Though when Tom Marshall was introduced and took two wickets in an over (including Barnes for 74) and Ellis dismissed their number four there was hope at 181-3 with ten overs to go. Marshall and Carson had some long conversations about lines and lengths which provided some fun as the game got tight (apart from Marshall chucking one down the legside with an offside set field). With 27 needed off the last five Ellis had finished a tidy spell (8-1-38-1) and Trivedi returned for his final three overs and dismissed Woodhay’s number four. This meant with four overs left East Woodhay needed 23 but despite the best efforts of Marshall and Trivedi this got down to two off the last over and the game was done – East Woodhay winning by six wickets with five balls to spare. East Woodhay had to thank a quite magnificent century from Tablot-Williams who finished 109* (122) and didn’t offer a chance!

Another great day had been enjoyed at East Woodhay and due to timings the Frogs unfortunately couldn’t stop at the local pub for a drink and pressed on to Andover to check in to accommodation but endeavoured to rectify this next year! Elgar (context can be found in the 2016 tour report) was awarded to Neal Kanabar for the first day for a fantastic line during his innings. In the search for quick runs he confidently told the East Woodhay bowler that “one of us is going to lose here” and then preceded to have a run down the wicket and a massive swing, only to be stumped!

Day 2

Timed: Wiltshire Queries 213-9 dec. (47 overs) A. Gorton 4-45 drew with Frogs 131-9 (43 overs) C. Carson 45

A now customary curry at Chillie’s on the Sunday night was followed with Jog and T Mars leading the way in showing the tour debutants the entertainment of Andover. Thankfully Elgar made it safely back to the hotel before Kanabar headed into Andover. A notable mention should go to K Grey for paying ~£10 for entry and a single VK, only to swiftly depart and be in bed by 00:30! Unsurprisingly there were some sore heads the next morning, from those that made it to breakfast. This year the warmup took a different turn, involving pushing Matilda’s car in the hotel car park in an attempt to jump start it. With Chalky’s jump leads at home in his sporty car, Neerav came to the rescue managing to start the car – although unfortunately the same method couldn’t be used for T Mars et al.

These fun and games were missed by “tour supremo” as he had already had an early breakfast and snuck off to watch the cidermen at the southwest home of cricket.

Unbeknownst to the Frogs and much to their visible delight, skipper Carson agreed to let the Queries bat first, thinking this would give his batters more time to sober up. Despite not going out the night before it was in fact Carson who clearly didn’t have the clearest of heads, as after 3 balls in the field the question was asked how many fielders did he need – to which he realised the answer was 12! Slabs took it upon himself to sharply exit the field and rest his dodgy rotor cuff knee.

Walsh and Trivedi took the new ball, with Trivedi working over the left-handed opener in similar fashion to last year without reward. Walsh made the breakthrough in the 4^th over, however this would prove to be the only early inroad as the Queries made steady proceedings, Walsh and Trivedi finishing with figures of 7-0-31-1 and 6-0-25-0 respectively. Ellis and Allen had similar fortunes, bowling well with little to show. GT picked up a crucial wicket of Kelly for 56, but the Queries continued to slowly accelerate, reaching 150-2 at lunch.

Fuelled by a good spread (and a nap for some), and perhaps the arrival of Jono, Frogs started the afternoon session with renewed vigour. Gorton impressed on tour debut, taking back to back wicket maidens while Jack also snared a couple, as the Queries slipped from 168-2 to 171-7. Some late order hitting pushed the Queries up to 213-9 dec. off 47 overs, Gorton finishing with 13-2-45-4 and Ogden picking up 1-17 off his 3 overs. This was a strong performance given where it looked like things could have been heading!

With Chalky declining the offer, big Trev opened the batting alongside debutant Tom McLeod. Unfortunately it was not to be for Trev, fending one to the keeper in Stuart Broad fashion, shortly followed by Chalky feathering one behind cheaply. Skipper Carson was not fazed by this start due to the strong middle order to come. However, just before tea Ninian came on to bowl his wily slow leg breaks and very quickly 24 hours of pre-match advice from T Mars went wasted on T Mac, who was stumped 2^nd ball! Ogden and Carson saw Frogs through to tea (35-3). Shortly after tea Ninian had seen the back of both Harefield batters, Ogden caught after drilling one waist high to mid-on for 14. This brought A. Lawton to the crease who rebuilt steadily with skipper Carson to the start of the last hour, with Frogs needing a tough but by no means insurmountable 7 runs an over.

Carson, keen to chase the target down, was bowled for 45 looking to keep with the rate which then led to a procession of wickets as Frogs crumbled to 120-8 with 9 overs to go. At this point a draw seemed the best possible outcome. With Jog and Walsh looking to see things through six overs quickly flew by, partly because attention turned to the inflatable slip ‘n’ slide Alison had appeared with. However, when Walsh was adjudged LBW with 3 overs to go, things got a bit tense as Jog was left to shepherd Jack. This he did with aplomb, grinding out a dogged 12* off 52 balls and ensuring Frogs came away with a draw.

Elgar was awarded in Bampton, in front of a record turnout for dinner at the Swan. Nominations included the morning’s car fiasco, as well as numerous nominations linked to the night out (including T Mac’s inability to implement an abundance of advice for facing Ninian). However, while Callum wanted to award it to Andy for abandoning tour for a day to watch a day of Somerset struggling at Taunton, he acknowledged his inability to count to 11 as a captain was pretty poor and was duly awarded Elgar for taking to the filed with 12!

Day 3

Timed: Devon Dumplings 133ao (33 overs) lost to Frogs 135-7 (34.1 overs) by three wickets

On the Tuesday of tour the Frogs as usual arrived at Exeter Cricket Club to play the Devon Dumplings in what is usually one of the most competitive games of the week.

The Frogs lost the toss and the Dumplings chose to bat on what looked a pretty good wicket under slightly cloudy skies but bright enough conditions. This game saw the return of Jack Stanier who last appeared for the Frogs in the 2016 tour but endured rotten luck to not pick up a wicket in his last trip. We had however been told at dinner on the Monday night that he had a knack for taking a wicket in his first over in 2021. So taking the new ball with Tom Marshall this was forgotten about until on the last ball of his first over when he castled Allsop for 8!

The Dumplings then developed a good partnership but the second and third wickets fell quickly as Stanier had Horler caught by O’Gorman at backward point for 24 and T. Marshall got Horn caught behind for 11 with a great delivery. This left the Dumplings 44-3 and from here the Frogs went on the attack. Both Stanier and Marshall bowled well and Marshall picked up his second as Burns was trapped plumb in front for 11. Stanier completed an excellent spell of 8-2-25-2 and was replaced by J. Wright.

The fifth wicket is one that will live long in the memory (and one that my match report will not do justice). In Jono’s second over and after having been hit for a couple of fours by the Wilcox he bowled a delivery slanting across him that was skied high up into the air. It was effectively landing on Jono about three yards down the wicket from the popping crease and the Frogs stood patiently waiting for Jono to complete the simple catch and take the fifth wicket. Unfortunately the ball wasn’t caught cleanly and landed somewhere around Jono’s shoulder and bounced to the floor. However, the deflection took the ball towards the stumps at the bowler’s end…where the ball hit the stumps, dislodged the bails and the batters had part crossed but Wilcox had not made his ground at the bowler’s end! Out – run out! The Frogs absolutely fell about and so too the Frogs spectators on the small grass bank who were watching on.

Marshall then bowled T. Fogarty for 0 with another seed and it was here that the Frogs turned it up a notch and the fields got more aggressive. T. Marshall bowled with seven catchers in the cordon, skipper A. Carson at extra cover and J. Wright at midwicket. This did lead to him being hit over mid-off once and one of the catchers being returned and Carson to mid-off but this was a great spell for the Frogs, “roared” on by the spectators and Wright and Marshall responded well! Despite only being in his early 20s, Tom Marshall had to finish but this was after a magnificent 12 overs spell of 3-47, those Fosters at Harefield are slowly taking their toll mind and he was replaced by Joe O’Gorman, much to the delight of the spectators.

Wright continued at the other end remaining with attacking fields but it was O’Gorman who picked up the 7^th and 8^th wicket in identical fashion caught by Marc Williams in the gully. These were absolutely excellent catches with the second pretty much off the face – this revelation of fielding position we hope has extended Marc’s career in the field after he retires the gloves. This meant at lunch the Dumplings were 113-8 from 28 overs (The Frogs keeping excellent over rate in 1h40).

After lunch Wright bowled Ewen and O’Gorman had Jopling caught be a rolling Slabbert at mid-on as the Dumplings were dismissed for 133 in 32 overs, which coincidentally was one more than 2019. Wright finishing with 8-1-30-1 and O’Gorman 5-0-23-3. A magnificent effort from the four bowlers used.

With a small target to chase the Frogs were confident albeit against a very capable Dumplings attack. A. Carson walked out to open the batting with Richard Lawrence and it was Carson who faced up to the first ball, only to kick it in front of all three and see the Mark Williams’s finger raised – 0-1. Out came Tom McLeod to join Lawrence and it was McLeod that was the more attacking. Lawrence though departed bowled top of off for 6 at 26-2 but as the Frogs progressed to 49-2 there were limited concerns. However from here the game was opened up by the Dumplings bowlers as McLeod slashed at one and was caught (35), Slabbert (8) planted his big pad in front of one, Owen Marshall was trapped on the crease (1) and it was suddenly 51-5. Tom Marshall came to the crease and quickly moved to 11 but found a rather silly way to get out by managing to be stumped by the keeper off a seamer after he decided not to return to his ground after leaving a delivery. What made matters worse was that the keeper was standing about 25 yards back!

This left the Frogs in disarray at 62-6 after 14 overs and the skipper despairing (though if he hadn’t kicked the first ball things could’ve been different). There were though around three hours left in the game meaning there was no pressure on the scoring rate. So when Callum Carson came in at number 8 the Frogs still appeared to have depth as he joined Kieran Grey. The two of them steadily rebuilt taking the sting out of the game through trying to take as few risks as possible. This may have been slightly out of character for Kieran but Callum thrived on this gritty period of play. With 54 to get the pair took 17 off two overs from Ewen to just ease the pressure as the Frogs 100 was brought up after 22 overs.

With 33 then left to win the Dumplings turned to leg spin and with some sharp spin this was difficult to score off as Kieran Grey continued to play within himself. He did an excellent job though with Callum as they continued to tick the runs required down with a couple of boundaries each. With six to win and after facing nine consecutive dots from the leg spinner Kieran finally got at half volley in his slot! Which he proceeded to hit straight to midwicket. On the sideline skipper Carson went apoplectic (in jest) but kindly reminded Kieran of the adage of seeing the game through! It was though a very well made 30 and the Frogs were hugely indebted to his efforts.

Marc Williams then strode out at number 9 - far too low down the order but this was at his request and because he turned up 15 minutes after the game had started AND because he refused to keep (so he could take good catches at gully)! However, all being said he did an excellent job as he picked up a single off the leg spinner, then a single off the seamer from the subsequent over which was then followed by a strong blow through the legside for four. This meant a Frogs win by 3 wickets, mainly thanks to the excellent partnership between Grey and Callum Carson (28*) – who particularly thrived in the situation and was the perfect man for the job.

The game as a result finished rather early and the Frogs had time to take in the game at the squash court outdoor bar after the game before returning to Bampton for dinner. Elgar was awarded to Duncan Ellis for a room disturbance the previous evening as Chalky was just getting accustomed to his room!

Day 4

Timed: Frogs 221-3 dec. (37.3 overs) C. Carson 63, T. Marshall 103 lost to North Devon CC 227-4 (41 overs) by six wickets

In 2019 the Wednesday had seen the first washout at North Devon in many years so it was pleasing (like the rest of the week) that the weather was fair for the day. In 2019 the tourists entertained themselves at the Barnstaple Indoor Bowls Centre with A. Carson and C. Lawton becoming champions. This year there was time for a quick nine holes on the Barnstaple par 3 golf course with Kanabar, Chalk, Wright and C. Lawton forming one group and Grey, Carson, Carson and Allen forming another. The first group out were accused (rightly) of slow play by the second group as the more serious golfers (no names) took their time on the Par 3 course. It was of course Jono Wright that won the first group and Kieran Grey who won the second, incidentally they played 18 holes at Royal North Devon in the afternoon and reported on an excellent afternoon.

After golf the group met for the customary ice cream on the sea front at Instow and then up to the ground for the 2pm start.

Frogs were invited to bat first, which skipper C Carson gladly accepted. Carson opened the batting alongside T Marshall, who was no doubt wanting to make amends for the day before. They were accompanied by umpire D Ellis, looking resplendent in his multicoloured cap.

Frogs started in a relatively sedate manner for Instow where anything that beats the infield typically runs away for 4. However only 3 boundaries were scored in the first 10 overs, with Frogs reaching 43-0 – a solid start. At this point Tom (wrongly) bemoaned the lack of half volleys / full tosses he was receiving compared to his opening partner. Both batters continued to tick along, picking up the singles on offer and running well but still not dominating the boundary count. This was in part due to a good spell by a promising 15-year old, who both openers clearly didn’t want to over attack get out to!

Spurred on by a rather vocal J Ellis, playing for the opposition, the scoring rate did begin to increase with Carson bringing up his 50 (off 50 balls) in the 19^th over. This was soon followed by the hundred partnership in the 23^rd over and a Marshall 50 (off a more leisurely 80 balls). Not long after Carson was eventually bowled playing inside an off-stump half volley while trying to run it down to third man (shock) for 63 at just under a run a ball, leaving Frogs 134-1 in the 27^th over. This must be one of the only grounds where he has a strike rate greater than 50!

His dismissal brought Kanabar to the crease, sporting his bright orange gloves. He immediately showed his intent, slapping his first ball over point for four in a Sehwagesque manner, driving the next over the offside ring for 2, before trying to launch one over the pavilion! This seemed to have a positive impact on T Mars who proceeded to take 9 off the following over. Looking for a change NDCC turned to Ellis for some left arm seam at the pavilion end. Tom took a steady approach, nurdling him for singles where available. Neal, despite nearly being bowled round the back of his legs, opted for the aerial route and planted it over the bowler’s head for back to back boundaries.

As T Mars approached the 90s there appeared to be some interesting decisions between himself and Kanabar over who should have the strike. In the shelter of the pavilion, discussions were had as to the pros and cons of declaring before T Mars reached his hypothetical 100, with one person very keen for the captain to declare! Out in the middle, Neal’s enthusiastic approach eventually led to his undoing, bowled for 31 attempting to put one into the estuary – Frogs 197-2. Posh joined T Mars at the crease for the final few overs to ensure T Mars could reach his hundred, which he brought up by sweeping one over midwicket for four. The innings abruptly ended when T Mars was bowled for a magnificent 103 (off 124 balls with 13 4s), half way through the 38^th over. With one eye on the time, Carson declared on 221-3, against the advice of the senior Frogs contingent.

Walsh and Kanabar took the new ball. Despite Kanabar finding some good shapes with the ball it did not translate into chances and the NDCC openers (Windley and Soper), accustomed to the bounce of the wicket, were quick to capitalise on anything fractionally short. Knowing spin often succeeds at Instow, Carson quickly turned to Malc, resulting in what must be one of the most the experienced frogs bowling partnerships of Walsh and Marshall!

Unfortunately they did not have as much luck as their West Indian namesakes. Walsh plugged away, including producing his best Steven Finn impression but without reward as NDCC progressed to 71-0 off 12. Windley then continued to show his intent by tracking GT (who had replaced Walsh) first ball. GT, possibly due to the cold, struggled to settle and only had a short spell - we now know he was saving it for Friday! Annoyingly at the other end both openers played Malc very well with Windley sweeping almost anything off the stumps, while Soper looked to back away and bludgeon it through the offside when he was forced to bowl wider. Reverting to spin early on had also meant the over rate was rising and so having only batted 38 overs Carson made attempts to stall before the last hour, much to the discontent of the umpire.

With NDCC only requiring 90 from the last hour, Carson turned to T Mars in the hope that his batting success may translate to more with the ball. Thankfully 2 overs later it did, with T Mars making the breakthrough in his 3^rd over (caught by Carson at cover) leaving NDCC 131-1. The start of the last hour also saw the introduction of Gorton, replacing Malc, who seemed to relish the opportunity of bowling against tadpole J Ellis. The pressure built by Marshall and Gorton eventually showed, with opener Windley taking once chance too many – stumped by D Ellis off Gorton for 91. What followed the dismissal was one of the 2 best moments of the day. A frustrated GT charged in from point, spun and jumped to point at the pavilion and declare, “pavilion’s that way!” to both the bemusement and delight of the Frogs.

Marshall and Gorton continued to bowl well in tandem, conceding only 10 runs off 4 overs. This left NDCC 176-2 34, needing 46 off 42 balls with Malc having replaced Tom (7-1-21-1) at the pavilion end. This was the first time in the game where the rate had gone above a run a ball and the Frogs fans, sensing the tension between the NDCC batters, attempted to add to it. Perched on the benches just to the left of the pavilion when you arrive at the ground, the noise created by the travelling support grew loader, leading to another memorable moment of the day and perhaps the most memorable moment of tour.

The support almost had immediate effect, as a direct hit at non strikers end would have seen the end of J Ellis after a mix up between the batters of the 1^st ball of Malc’s over. The 2^nd ball was slog swept to deep square for 1, and the 3^rd only just evading midwicket as it hung in the air - scooped over the infield for 1. Suddenly it was all about the tension, the drama, the buzz, the crowd, the atmosphere – it was all happening at NDCC! The crowd, cheered on by T Mars at slip, continued as ball 4 resulted in a missed hoick, somehow evading leg stump. By this point, the umpire had decided too much commotion was being caused, halting play in the middle of Malc’s runup on ball 5. The rest of the over was not without further excitement as the batter missed another large hoick, the ball disappearing through the keeper’s legs for a bye.

NDCC slowed to 185-2 off 36, still needing 37 off 5 overs. The batters began to resort to reverse sweeping and despite conceding a couple of 4s, Malc had Carrick LBW attempting another reverse sweep. At the other end Gorton was unlucky that the chances he created didn’t go to hand as a top edge off another reverse sweep evaded Dunc and Malc. NDCC captain Wright’s knock proved critical, continuously finding a gap between the sweepers on the shorter leg side boundary, including one lofty blows off Malc from the last ball of the 39^th over which slipped from the grasp of C Lawton at cow corner and went for four ☹ Gorton kept Frogs in the game, conceding only 3 off his over and taking the wicket of Wright with his final ball, finishing with very respectable figures of 9-0-42-2.

This left NDCC with 8 to get off Malc’s final over, hitting with the wind to the shorter leg side boundary. 1 4 . 1 brought it to two off two and another scampered single left two results still possible with one ball to go. Unfortunately, it was not to be for Frogs as the NDCC batter danced down and launched the final ball for six – Frogs losing by six wickets.

After an evening meal in the boathouse, which saw Simon and Lauren depart the tour (although thankfully not because Brendan from Coach Trip had presented them with their 2nd yellow card) Frogs returned to Bampton for the awarding of Elgar. There was one clear winner on the day, for "some interesting manoeuvring and falling over a stepladder whilst in the nets which were being used.” Oh dear Jog…

Several rounds of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord (thanks Walshy!) were followed by chanting into the early hours. This was a continuation of the support from the spectators earlier in the way, with the most memorable of the night being “GT takes wickets everywhere he goes”.

Day 5

Frogs 315-4 (42.3 overs) T. McLeod 114, K. Grey 101* beat North Devon League XI 253ao (43.3 overs) T. McLeod 4-14 by 62 runs

On the Thursday the Frogs arrived at the Valley of the Rocks to play the North Devon League XI (NDLXI). It was the Frogs that won the toss and elected to bat on the picture perfect ground. Lawrence and Chalk opened the batting and Chalk hit the first six of the game pulling a ball over the leg side. Unfortunately though Chalky was done by one that nipped back six to eight inches for 11 at 32-1 and Owen Marshall joined Lawrence. Owen had declared the previous there he was going to get a double hundred and certainly looked in good touch! However, both Owen and Rich would fall within an over of each other as first Owen was caught for 27 (off the bowling of Alex Gorton who had kindly stepped in to play for the opposition) and then Lawrence was run out for 28. Tom McLeod came in at number 4 and Marc Williams joined him and although Williams was positive (13 from 10 balls) he was bowled with the score 102-4 in the 22nd over.

Grey then joined McLeod and another batter wasn’t required! Having been required to play within himself at Exeter and then hitting some bombs on the golf course on Wednesday it was set up for Kieran to let loose on a small ground. This he did and made a run a ball 50 with three sixes and no fours. At the other end Tom McLeod also made an excellent 50 and like Grey scored at a run a ball but hit no sixes, just eight excellent fours instead.

From here the score was 197-3 from 33 overs leaving an excellent launch pad as the Frogs looked to bat around 43 overs. This target was achieved as both Grey and McLeod went after the bowling in the following nine overs scoring 116 runs! In this period Grey hit a total of six sixes and one four, with McLeod managing three maximums and another six boundaries. It was quite excellent to watch and the Frogs were delighted to see McLeod bringing up his hundred off 82 balls which was remarkably the first of his career! Skipper Carson was hoping to declare just short of 300 but Kieran Grey was motoring so the skipper allowed him to reach an equally excellent hundred off just 78 balls.

This meant that the Frogs declared at 315-4 from 42.3 overs (though by no means the highest score seen at the Valley of the Rocks with its 30 yard straight boundaries). The backbone of this being the quite superb partnership of 213 between McLeod and Grey from 27 overs with 12 boundaries and 12 sixes – the record books need to be checked!

Tea had been organised by Richard Lawrence through getting in touch with the local café which was a great success thanks to the amazing homemade scones the size of a large roll! After most probably over indulging the Frogs took the field knowing the NDLXI would have about 48 overs to score the runs. Stanier opened the bowling but unfortunately didn’t get a wicket in his opening over or opening spell this time but it was opening partner Jono Wright who got the first wicket in the eight over but the NDL XI were up to 43-1. From here Chris Lawton replaced Stanier and as always bowled excellently on the Valley of the Rocks pitch and tested all the batters, with O’Gorman coming on the replace Jono.  It was JOG who got the three breakthroughs bowling the opener and having numbers 3 and 4 caught by Owen Marshall and Lawrence respectively. This left the NDL XI at 133-4 after 28 overs as the last 20 was called.

This may have seemed unlikely chase but Gorton had walked out to the crease and along with Jones for the NDLXI they suddenly shifted the game scoring 45 off three overs! This period of play could possibly be as a result of Lawrence returning to the field to move some fielders to more attacking positions which left plenty of gaps and wound up Jog! As a result the requirement was suddenly down to 138 off 17 overs with six wickets in hand – very gettable and set up nicely. It was Jack Ellis who had come into the attack but Gorton had taken a liking to his bowling and 38 runs had come off his first 17 balls. However it was his 18^th delivery that got the crucial breakthrough as Gorton was caught by Chris Lawton at 225-5. At the other end Neal Kanabar had bowled a couple of overs for 18 and was subsequently replaced by centurion McLeod who skipper Carson hadn’t seen bowl before but was assured he bowled left arm spin. It just happened to be McLeod’s day as he picked up the dangerous Jones who had made 56 from 37 from his second delivery, thanks to a well held catch by Ellis! From here the Frogs had 10.4 overs to get four wickets to force the win and before the over was out McLeod struck again – a double wicket maiden! The NDLXI now needed 84 from ten overs but were still in the game despite wickets running out. This was reduced to 63 from 6.2 until McLeod struck again to leave the Frogs needing two wickets from the last six overs. Chris Lawton returned from the other end and was finally rewarded for his excellent earlier spell picking up the 9^th wicket through a catch from, you guessed it, Tom McLeod. It was then left to the main man to pick up the final wicket of the day bowl the NDL XI number 10 for 0 to secure a 62 run victory for the Frogs.

A big thanks must go to the NDLXI for playing the fixture against us and we look forward to the game next year! After the day’s play the Frogs headed down to the front at Lynton to pick up some fish and chips. On returning to Bampton the Frogs awarded Elgar for a rather hilarious moment on the edge of the field at the Valley of the Rocks. Those that have played there will know that the gate has a little catch that needs to be lifted to allow the gate to open. However, Dunc couldn’t quite work this for about a minute and then pretended to lean on the gate whilst quietly having another go hoping no one was looking! All this though was captured on camera and when Dunc also wondered within the pitch about 25 yards from the action during the Frogs fielding there was only ever one winner!

Day 6

Somerset Stragglers 167ao (36.1 overs) O. Marshall 4-15 lost to the Frogs 168-5 (32.4 overs) by five wickets

On Friday, the Frogs left Bampton and travelled up to Taunton St. Andrews for their game against the Somerset Stragglers. Another pleasant day, finally with some more sunshine at a new ground (in recent tour history) for the Frogs. On winning the toss skipper Andrew Carson won the toss and elected to field on a pitch that looked good but appeared it would offer some spin.

Throughout the innings there were a number of Stragglers batters who walked to the crease and looked very capable but the Frogs chipped away well with the highest score coming from Stephens who made 27 batting at number 7.

After ten overs of seam not providing a wicket, Stanier was replaced by Tom Allen after Joe O’Gorman had refused to bowl that end because of the short boundary. This however turned out to be a masterstroke as Tom provided one of the spells of tour. As anticipated the pitch took a little bit of spin but Tom landed the ball beautifully from the start and was rewarded in his opening over with the Straggler’s opener going back and getting bowled. The Frogs got a second wicket as Jono Wright (who bowled a good opening spell of eight on the reel) got hit in to the deep for skipper Carson to chase after it and return a good throw for Wright to take the bails. This left the Stragglers 52-2 from 13 overs.

Then came quite possibly the highlight of the day as the Stragglers number four who had moved quickly to 12 was bowled by an absolute ripper from Tom! The ball was floated out a little wider to the left hander who went to drive through the offside, only for it to spin back sharply and comprehensively bowl him! This meant at drinks and the halfway stage the Stragglers were 81-3 from 20.

Joe O’Gorman had joined the attack from the other end with the large straight boundary (though the number 4 batter that Tom dismissed hit Jog for a huge six over long on) and he had his first wicket just after drinks as Kieran caught a ball from a ridiculously powerful cover drive from a full toss that was hit so unbelievably hard it nearly took his hand with it!! The twin leg spinners continued to bowl excellently for the Frogs who made scoring difficult as the Dumplings tried to rebuild though each new batter tried to be positive. O’Gorman picked up a second as the Dumplings captain was bowled from an excellent sharp turning delivery at 112-5.

Tom Allen completed his spell at the other end with figures of 8-0-31-2 and probably deserved more, an excellent spell though to finish off the tour. He was replaced by Owen Marshall who picked up a wicket in his second over as the Frogs continued to exert pressure and Owen then picked up a second getting the number 8 LBW but with Stephens still at the crease the Stragglers were still aiming for 200. As skipper Carson had let O’Gorman (who had bowled an excellent spell of 8-1-39-2) and Allen to complete their allotted eight overs in one spell it meant that one over was needed from a sixth bowler to allow Owen to switch ends and bowl with the much bigger straight boundary for the closing overs. Carson debated bowling himself but thankfully for everybody he didn’t and he turned to Kieran Grey who had chewed his ear off for an over. The over of offspin was more than acceptable in going for six but despite Grey’s demands he was removed from the attack! This proved to be the right decision as Owen switched ends and picked up the dangerous Stephens for 27 and this was the first of three wickets to fall in consecutive overs with Stanier (1-28 much deserved after an excellent opening spell) also picking up one and Owen the last (an excellent mopping up job of 4-15).

This meant the Stragglers were bowled out for 167 in 37.1 overs – an excellent performance from the Frogs.

Opening the batting were Andrew Carson and Richard Lawrence. It was Carson who scored three early boundaries before trying to pull a short ball miles – only managing to spoon it in the air for the keeper to catch, 21-1. Callum Carson joined Lawrence and although the Stragglers turned to spin early the pair played well and ticked the scoreboard over nicely with some excellent sweep shots from the pair and an excellent cover drive from Lawrence. Having made 29 Rich topped edged a sweep to be caught but the Frogs were in a good position at 55-2 from 14.

Tom Marshall came in to join Callum but only scored two boundaries from his first 18 balls before becoming more positive. At the other end Callum played nicely to continue to pick up singles and hit the bad ball for four. The pair brought up an excellent 50 partnership in 9 overs as scoring became easier the longer they batted. Tom had reached 41 before he was caught and the next over Callum tried to go over the top which resulted in him being bowled as the Frogs were 120-4 from 26 overs. Despite the two quick wickets the Frogs needed 48 from 14 overs and were well on top especially with Andrew Lawton and Tom McLeod the new men to the crease. In ultra positive mood from the day before Tom hit one of the cleanest sixes of the week over the pavilion which went a very long way but perished attempting the same again two balls later for 12. This left Owen Marshall to come to the crease and he and Andrew Lawton both played well to finish 14* and 18* respectively. Owen finishing the game with a reverse sweep for two (not quite in the traditional method or CTB approved!) as the Frogs won by five wickets with 7.2 overs remaining.

It only remained for the Frogs to dissect the tour with a beer on the outfield in the Somerset sunshine – an excellent record of P6 W3 D1 L2 with some tremendous cricket played along the way.

From the disappointment of 2020 it was great to have a full tour in 2021 with no weather interruptions either! At this point I must give great thanks to our B&B providers, our opposition, caterers, umpires, scorers and everyone who helped co-ordinate the tour behind the scenes to make it such a success. There must also be particular individual thanks to Carol Quinn for scoring throughout the week and Mark Williams who umpired the last four days – we were and still are hugely thankful! 

Then a final thanks to all the Frogs players throughout the week and the travelling supporters who added an extra dimension with their vocal support during a couple of fantastic moments during the week. We greatly look forward to touring again in 2022 and hope for an equally successful trip.