Recap

Saturday 17 June 2023

BURES CC v Leavenheath CC (home)

CHRIS AYERS MEMORIAL SHIELD MATCH

As this was the inaugural match played for the Chris Ayers Memorial Shield, there was a great number of spectators who came to offer support and pay their respects to the great man throughout the day. Initially, mainly family and close friends came to see the beautiful new bench dedicated to Chris, with various photos taken of Pen and Dave who, whilst both understandably very emotional, were also very pleased with the efforts made by both clubs to make it a special day. Picnics were enjoyed around the clubhouse and happy memories of Chris shared.

The weather was a little overcast, with even a few spots of rain, but as that passed the crowds swelled, and noise levels rose, partly due to the large amount of alcohol being consumed as well as the increased numbers watching.

Bures, as seems almost inevitable, lost the toss and were asked to bat. We hoped a strong opening pair of Charlie E and Narns M would get us off to a good start, but unfortunaely Charlie was unlucky hitting an inside edge onto his stumps, soon followed by Narns, who probably can’t recall any of his innings, having slightly over-indulged the previous evening. 17 for 2. However, the powerhouse of the innings was provided by Stu P (33), David A (30) and Jack C (41), with some lovely shots played all round the ground, and at a scoring rate which was entirely fitting for “Bures Ball”. However, a mini collapse took us to 97 for 6, and we had visions of an early finish. Luckily, this was not to be, saved by the ever-reliable Rupert T (56) who partnered Jack to reach 169 for 7. With Jack out, the Chairman entered the contest and, remarkably, hit a few useful blows (21 n.o.), and with Eddie M contributing well at the end, Bures finished with a creditable 208 for 9 off their 30 overs.

We began the defence of our total in a confident mood, feeling we had set a stiff target. However, a combination of excellent batting and sadly, yet again, indifferent fielding (at least 5 catches dropped at crucial times) meant that Leavenheath always managed to keep up with the rate required.

Despite good bowling, though perhaps a trifle rusty at times, from Charlie, Rupert, Narns and Stu, we found we simply couldn’t contain Tris Skinner and Jackson Collins, and the runs kept building steadily. One good catch by Jack off Rupert was our only success in the first half before drinks, which meant we were always chasing the game.

Stu finally made a breakthrough, but sadly too little too late. Captain Luke and the Chairman both took late wickets but with only 10 needed off 2 overs with 6 wickets left, it was too much to ask, and the mighty Bures succumbed with just 1.5 overs to spare.

So, the Chris Ayers Memorial Shield was duly handed to Leavenheath for the first time and Bures must fight hard to retrieve it next year. All in all, a great time was had by players and spectators alike, and drinks to Chris’s memory went on well into the night.