The first moment of note for the 2026 season was the realisation of Srivastava’s New Year’s Resolution: first man at the scene and 15 minutes before the meet time – please do not adjust your screens! Donald Trump’s foreign policy had put paid to his plans to head over to the Middle East on business; Doha’s loss is certainly Hill’s gain! Having sold his car, he was forced to catch the daily bus to Betchworth – rumours abound that he is still at the Red Lion waiting for the bus home? Bawn and Jeavons settled into their surroundings with a pint – the latter possibly preparing himself for the challenge of keeping to Jones (more to follow!). The towering seamer also raised eyebrows as he drove himself to the ground in an implausibly small car. Questions were asked as to whether he needed to sit in the back seat to be able to reach the pedals or if his head went through the sun roof. With the post-game pleasantries dispensed with and the obligatory smattering of ribaldry thrown in for good measure, the bucolic Betchworth countryside served as an idyllic setting for the season’s curtain raiser. Only time would tell if Hill could carry on where they left off in 2025…
Chipperton won the toss and elected to insert the hosts – a decision in no way influenced by suffering the ignominy of a diamond duck on his last outing at the ground 9 years previous. He partnered Jones in attack as Hill looked to make early headway in their first innings. Stand-in gloveman Jeavons let out a steady stream of expletives as Jones drew variable bounce and carry from the green surface. Penny the scorer would have been appalled as invectives and byes characterised the early stages. Jubilant scenes followed after Jeavons put away the castanets and snaffled an outside edge from Hill’s paceman.
The opening 15 overs were largely uneventful in terms of wickets, although the visitors didn’t seem to have much luck: mistimed shots dropped into gaps and near misses meant batsmen at both ends enjoyed rather charmed lives. Maheswaran replaced Chipperton inside the opening 10 overs and kept the scoring opportunities to a premium. The aforementioned Trump would have marvelled at Hill’s Straight of Hormuz-esque stranglehold on hosts’ innings. Hunt continued the pressure and held her end up expertly, whilst Ransom finally claimed Hill’s second shortly before drinks at the 20 over mark, after a skewed slog finally landed fortuitously for Hill.
Hill continued to toil in the early afternoon sun after drinks and Ransom bowled his man comprehensively to claim their 3rd wicket. The captain returned to the opening duo to exert further pressure – a move that yielded immediate results. Jones, revelling in his change of ends, claimed 2 victims in quick succession: the first man trapped LBW and the second a near carbon copy that removed the element of doubt and re-arranged the stumps.
The job of closing out the innings fell to Bawn and Maheswaran; the field was set to lure the batsmen into upping the ante. Maheswaran struck first as Chipperton made up ground in the deep to hang on to a catch at long-on. Bawn was duly rewarded for sticking to a consistent line and length and he got one through the defences of his advisory to claim Hill’s seventh scalp. He was particularly pleased moments later when he collaborated with his drinking partner Jeavons and found the edge, and to everyone’s surprise, Jeavons’ outstretch mitt! Village by name, Beddington’s last wicket was a comical run out by Hunt that only lacked the slap stick musical accompaniment! A modest 130 on the board was testament to the efforts of the bowling attack and a committed fielding display, including efforts of Jeavons behind the stumps.
Hill elected for the muscle of Mclean and Goldsbrough at the top of the order. The latter had fastidiously prepared by splashing out on a Hitz session, but I’m not sure whether the popular netting brand currently offer a 40mph dibbly-dobbly option? Pace-on at the other end appealed to Mclean – who punched his first ball to the rope and took on the role of aggressor in the partnership. With around 3 per over required, the pair had time to acclimatise to their surroundings and set about putting Hill into a commanding position.
However, as the game ticked along relatively uneventfully, storm clouds gathered in the distance and the rain gradually came down from around 5pm. With the benefit of hindsight and working Wi-Fi, Hill might have realised the SDL’s rejection of Duckworth Lewis and elected to throw caution to the wind a little. Goldsbrough, keen to accelerate, was caught behind and Foong joined his chauffeur at the crease. He looked in good touch and made good use of the slope to move the visitors to within 50 of the required total, before falling victim to a pea-roller that skidded through to send him back to the pavilion. Mclean was nearing a well-made 50 as Ransom joined him, but before he could reach the landmark the opposition players decided enough was enough.
With no prospect of further play, the players reconvened in the adjoining Red Lion to toast – what they assumed at the time – would be a deserved victory. This was short-lived upon the discovery of the verdict that the game was an abandonment rather than a rain-enforced victory. They would have fancied their chances with 50 runs to chase, 18 overs in store and plenty of batting remaining at only 2 down – but then again Hill have stolen defeat from victory in more unassailable positions!
A frustrating end to an enjoyable afternoon, but contributions were provided by every player – especial thanks must go to fielder of the day (Jeavons) for stepping up to keep and Hunt for filling in after a last minute drop out!
Player of the match – Sponsored by Nicholls Residential = Tyler Jones
Park Hill Cricket Club 