THE Don Bradman Foundation XI snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a very un-Australian way at Frensham's Hollowdene ground last week.

The eagerly anticipated match between a Frensham Select XI and the touring side from Bowral, Don Bradman's home town, lived up to its billing, providing excellent entertainment for the many spectators.

But few would have expected the Australians, nearly all former grade cricket players, to fall away from a position of strength. Yet that is what happened.

With 60 runs wanted from 10 overs, wickets in hand and a batsman named Micky Mulligan looking totally in command, the tourists looked to be coasting home.

But having looked at ease on an early-summer English wicket, they suddenly faltered against the guileful, not-quite-there-to-be-driven bowling of Ray Clarke. The home skipper stemmed the flow of runs with a spell of 2 for 6 in five overs and with Jon Green bowling with great gusto at the other end, the pressure was suddenly turned on the batsmen.

The feeling remained that the tourists batted all the way down the order, but we never found out because two schoolboy run-outs brought the innings to an abrupt halt at 217, still 15 runs behind.

Earlier, Frensham had amassed 232-8 in their allotted 40 overs. After a sparkling opening partnership between Peter Harrison and Ben Maxwell, Matt Potter – top scorer with 60 – and Matt Barnes made hay against the Foundation bowlers.

However, the innings of the day was played by Alan Williams for the tourists. The Australian showed superb technique in making 86 and his cover-driving, in particular, was a joy to watch.

It should have earned his side victory, but the home team came through to win this opening fixture of the Bradman Foundation tour of England. It provided a smidgen of revenge for the Ashes eclipse in the winter.

The wicket, a 'belter' by all account, was a credit to groundsman John Storey who had also recruited the Select side.

Despite their defeat, this match, played in cool but bright weather, was an excellent start to their tour for the Australians who went on to dodge the showers at Arundel, Broadhalfpenny Down and Wormsley (home of the Getty XI), amongst other prestigious fixtures

The Foundation XI is the playing wing of the Bradman Museum in Bowral. The fixture was arranged by Robin Dibdin who, before the game, accompanied the Australians on a tour of the village and lunch at the Holly Bush.

Gifts and mementoes were exchanged after the match and the Australians enjoyed a typically English barbecue on a distinctly chilly evening.

FRENSHAM 232-8 (M Potter 60, P Harrison 59, B Maxwell 43, M Barnes 30, T Falkiner 11, M Page 10 not out; R Parker 3-45, A Hudson 2-37).

BRADMAN FOUNDATION XI 217 (A Williams 86, S McPherson 37, M Mulligan 36, G Dean 13, C Smith 10; R Clarke 2-6, J Green 2-16, A Page 2-30).