In the first match, captained by vice Stephen Nelligan in the absence of Charlie Ashmore, B&FCC fielded first restricting the home side to 144 all out with Ed Hall taking three wickets. Visiting openers Paul Picton and Chris Pratska then survived a torrid first few overs against a lively home attack before gaining control with a series of powerful blows.

The home side could only watch as the opening pair put on 50 at around six runs an over. The foundation having been laid Kieran Bennett, Jordan Shingler and Colin Scott proceeded to keep up the pace, with Colin hitting the winning runs with ten overs to spare.

Man of the match: Paul Picton.

The trip to Eydon saw Chris Pratska (25), Stephen Nelligan (71)  and Jordan Shingler help to put 196 (all out) on the board with able lower order support from Peter Mayne. The latter then tore the heart out of the home batting with 3 early wickets, Andy Nightingale chipping in with two, as the home side subsided to 97 all out.

Man of the match: Stephen Nelligan.

Off the field too there have been several developments with a new club badge decided on and grant approval for 4 benches and 4 ‘pub type’ picnic tables.

After all the work that has been done on the ground in the winter it was good to get a visit from Roger Wilson, Managing Director of Northants Recreational Cricket Board and  chairman of SNJCL .

He said: “I’m delighted that the Badby cricket ground is being used again. It’s great to see a local club forming in light of recent local club closures. I was very impressed with the work that’s been done on the playing area when I visited the ground a few weeks ago and the enthusiasm of the club members there.

“Here’s looking forward to the next few years and the development of B&FCC. I have a close affinity with the ground having played my very first game there a few, well quite a few, years ago.”

There are two more matches this month, both at home. June starts with an away game at Braunston (June 3), followed by the return fixture at home to Spencer Bruerne (June 9), then away at Mears Ashby (June 16) with two home fixtures to finish off the month (Pattishall, 23^rd and Crick Lions on the 30^th)

Until next time.

You can catch up with all the latest news on the club’s Facebook page. Go to Badby & Farthingstone Cricket Club.  Please contact either Phil Hall (07710 850353) or  Graeme Whitcroft (07793 980500) if you are interested in joining us.

Graeme Whitcroft