The 2011 Season drew to a fitting close with the Horspath Feast Weekend – not to be confused with the dates of the fair. The two matches were the 102nd & 103rd adult matches to take place. Add on sundry mid-week cup games and countless youth matches it all added up to a hectic season that stretched to exactly six months. Individual reflections on the season will appear on the website in due course.
The Shepherds regained their trophy on the Sunday in a close fought 35 over match. The Club X1 setting a challenging 205 – 6 after being invited to bat first. Ben Hubbard again showed what we may be missing next year with another attractive innings of 57, he was supported by 37 from Chuck and a composed 31 from Bilal Hamid now restored to full fitness.
After being in early trouble a century stand between Will Eason 70 and Steve Richardson 34* restored the Sheps’ fortunes and they squeezed home with an over to spare for 6 down.
An even closer affair took place on Monday as the Club overhauled the Presidents XI by three wickets. Alex Jewell 28 and Ben Thompson 20 got the President’s side off on a solid foundation, before Ben was castled by Chuck to the dismay of everybody bar the jubilant bowler.
After the traditional long lunch an entertaining stand between the Tiddington pairing of Nick Pykett 64 and John Talbot 33 plus a contribution of 29* from Jimmy’s dad allowed Ricksy to declare just before dark on 229- 7 . 2 wickets apiece for Mossy and Jimmy.
The Club opening pair of Matt O’C [74]and Joey T [49]continued their fine form of 2011 with a scintillating stand of 123. However in an extraordinary turn round Ricksy defied the years and the drink to capture five quick wickets to put the result in the balance. However Robbie with 45* managed to put having his windscreen shattered by Nick Pykett out of his mind for sufficient time to secure victory for the Club by 3 wickets.