Repton Pilgrims | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

For the third year in succession, the Over-40s (a generous description for most of the team…) accomplished a Spring tour thanks to the efforts of many, including Horsham, Newman, Walker and not least Semmence, who warmly welcomed us to Repton on the Sunday. A hard core had spent Saturday watching the County side take on Derbyshire, in the genial company of Jon Filby and his wife, as last year at Bristol. By the time your correspondent caught up with them, Messrs Walker, Aris, Degsy, Savage and Mann were deep into a tour of the Derby hostelries. We ended up in a Cuban dancing club, where Sambucas were the order of the day and most of the Derby youth ran a mile at the sight of the bright Martlet blazers!

This proved good training for a night in the outer suburbs of Derby, where Degsy had found an Air BnB with remarkable characteristics, none really positive: a reply when the dodginess of the on-street car parking was raised was “That’s what you have insurance for isn’t it”. Mmm, true. It was probably the first time a Morgan had been sighted in those parts, to be accompanied the following night by the ex-Chairman’s top-of-the-range Range Rover (although maybe not, since that is the drug dealer’s chariot of choice!).

Anyway, to the cricket and, for those who had not been there before, Repton was a stunning venue – still a little damp, definitely a setting of the highest quality, with a welcoming oppo of almost equivalent age, and Mark Semmence to ensure all was set up properly. Michael Murray was our skipper for the day, lining up against his younger bro, Nigel, both old Reptonians of course.

Martlets took to the field and found, with few exceptions, the Repton Pilgrims were talented and diligent batsmen, compiling runs on a slowish outfield at a reasonable rate for a 40 over game. Dan James bowled a very lively five over opening spell with a satisfying clean bowled, while Jeremy McGahan as so often posed questions with his nagging line and length – his first four overs went for only 9 runs. 3 of the top 5 retired after passing 35, the rule for the day, and whilst all the bowlers had their moments, none was able to take more than one wicket. No one was really hammered, even Dan Jackson’s leg spin only went for 11 off three overs, and Repton ended at 218.

Indeed, the only brace of the innings was two stumpings by the ever-alert Phil Savage and Martlets completed a competent fielding display with reasonable hopes of winning. A truly sumptuous tea followed, more of a lunch really, with delicious meringue and fruit dessert the highlight, welcome fuel for the Martlet response.

Aris and Boulter started at a gallop, with 36 off 4 overs before the latter swung across a cunning long-hop, then Mann entered and helped Arran reach his 35 retired, before adding further runs with skipper Michael Murray: Martlets looked dominant as they passed 120 for the loss of only one real wicket, but then the “35 and retire” rule began to make its mark. Some straight bowling by Piper and O’Gran, and skewed batting, ripped out the heart of the middle order, and it was left to Damien Cashinella and Paul Lack to try to keep up with the rate. More cynical supporters might have told them to quickly commit suicide, allowing the guns of Aris, Mann and Murray to return, but this only happened when the rate was nigh impossible, and Aris was soon well caught attempting another big 6. Martlets ended 28 runs short, Mann (52 n.o.) and Cashinella (17 n.o.) at the crease.

So, an honourable loss on a lovely ground in very genial company – followed by delightful drinks on the lawn of the headmaster’s residence. Thank you to all involved, most especially Mark Semmence, a super day in all respects.