AFTER the drama of a tie against Grayshott the day before, Frensham’s annual President’s match remarkably yielded the same outcome on Sunday.

President Mick Fathers had organised a team of Frensham ’legends’ who first came together as an all-conquering U17 side in 1989. Led by Matt Potter, and comprising many local boys, these talented youngsters went on to win honours with the Frensham senior side and other clubs.

In opposition, club chairman and 2nd XI skipper Martin Breddy led a team of current Frensham players, ranging in age from 13 to 70.

The day started with a splendid lunch provided by Jackie and Pete Shipway, making the most of the re-furbished pavilion kitchen facilities at Hollowdene.

Frensham CC having elected to bowl first, 15 year olds Will Trenholm and Toby Escolme steamed in, showing less signs of a long lunch than their older brethren. However, they failed to contain current first-teamer Nick Green who plundered an aggressive 50 before holing out to the evergreen Ray Clarke, Frensham’s very own England international. Richard Doran then succumbed to an amazing left-handed catch by James Frost, high above his head at long-on.

The Dibdin youngsters then got in the match. Watched by their grandfather Robin, a former Frensham 1st XI captain, and playing alongside father Simon, Holly, 15 a Surrey Ladies junior player, induced a mis-hit from Dave Booton, while 13-year-old Harry tricked John Webster into a stumping dismissal.

David Lloyd, who played youth cricket for Frensham before embarking on a long career with Rowledge, stroked a classy 50 before controlled aggression from Matt Page saw the President’s XI to a competitive 228 off 40 overs.

A sumptuous tea generously laid on by the president was enjoyed by both sides, plus vice-presidents and visitors from the village, all grateful to see some August Bank Holiday sunshine.

Nick Thayer, who had travelled from his home in Germany, bowled a tidy spell alongside fellow left-armer Toby Falkiner, which kept the run-chase in check. James Wood and Harvey Herrington built a useful partnership before Lloyd came on to bowl a niggardly spell. He broke the stand and dismissed Archie Rawnsley and Toby Escolme, two of the Frensham youngsters he coaches during the winter.

Will Trenholm mounted a superb rearguard effort, hitting four sixes in his top score of 38. The tail failed to wag effectively, leaving the home side requiring 23 off the last over with perennial last man Ray Clarke entering in gladiatorial fashion to raucous cheers from the fans (mainly his family).

Fortunately for the result, Clarke was at the non-striker’s end, which allowed skipper Breddy to take advantage of Green’s generous bowling. The first five balls went for 16, leaving a six required to level the scores, and the final ball was duly dispatched in the direction of Hale. Match tied.

Thanks go to the volunteer groundstaff, Tim Stubbs, Sam Farncombe, Geoff Bond and Hally Baldock, for making the pitch and surroundings look every bit the quintessential village cricket setting, and to Tony and Sarah Baldock for their tireless work behind the bar.

With so much village cricket in the country under threat, it was a pleasure to see several generations of Frensham cricketers come together to renew old friendships and enjoy a great occasion.

Photos courtesy of John Trenholm