Originals 192 for 9 off 37 overs (Baxter 32 ret., Mills 30 ret., Charles Snr 27, S Forman-Wilshaw 2 for 20).
Young Generation 191 for 8 off 39 overs (Tunbridge Snr 30 ret., Tunbridge Jnr 25, H Forman-Wilshaw 29, Jackson 25.)
Match Drawn.
Once again we were blessed with a near perfect cricketing day in the lovely surroundings of the Kings School paddock for the anniversary game. Once again the Mandarins gathered, originals (Butler, Roberts, Wiggins), near originals, stalwarts of the 1960s, 70s, 80s, veterans, seniors, some still in their cricketing prime (discuss), and, crucially, some newly minted. The teams were carefully chosen for balance, and (I quote the selector) to symbolise inheritance and regeneration. Both generations of Formans and Tunbridges played for the Young Generation, as did Balraj. Eastaways, Charleses (Ben is Headmaster of Kings School) and Porters played father vs son, with Sam Charles, aged 9 youngest on the field, dismissing his father caught and bowled to claim the bragging rights.
The bespoke team strip arranged by Helen seemed to be an opportunity for the seniors to proclaim their ages in the squad numbers. Andy chose 168 (how old he feels?). Pat Murphy was the senior player on the day, just pipping David Lowen, with a big crowd of late 60s Saga holidays hopefuls pressing them hard. Average age? Hard to say, but easily 60 plus. No injuries were sustained. Bespoke shirts aside, a special sartorial prize for Jeremy Crump who wore what would be the Mandarins blazer if we had one – actually a 19th Century Royal Engineers blazer in orange and navy blue.
The oldies batted first, and were shown no mercy by Young Gun skipper Chris McKeon, who opened with Jackson and Stan, and followed up with Harry and Raki. Wily fox Baxter was equal to this assault, and his pads (who else?) opened the scoring, although it has to be said that they are now well and truly exploded, making Jack Russel’s look pristine. Stan, no sentimentalist, nailed Lowen and Jarvis in two balls, for two zeroes, Jeremy’s first golden of a 60 year career. But it was catch of the day diving in the gully by Harry, so fair cop. Although Healey and Williams made modest scores they helped see off the tricky opening period, paving the way for Paul Mills, the ultimate Mandarins festival cricketer, who outshone his 50th anniversary exploits with 30 retired off 9 balls (no dots). Ben Charles hit the ball to all corners of his domain, and there were useful contributions all the way down to number 13. Chris M contrived to use 12 bowlers (certainly a record) including a sporting last over from himself, which ended with an absurd 8 bounce delivery (a record) which Andy missed, at least twice, to be bowled, both bowler and batsman flat on the ground at the end. The “Spirit of Cricket” was forced to adjudicate on this one, eventually deeming that the rule of law was so fundamental to the fabric of the nation that no-ball was called (possibly by the scorer) and Andy ended not out.
A delicious tea was capped by Helen’s spectacular 60th anniversary chocolate cake. Speeches by Host- in-Chief Jonathan, President Robin and Chairman John had in common two themes, the unreliability of still vivid Mandarins’ memories as exploits on and off the field fade into history and morph into tribal myth; and the unifying thread from 1964 to today that everyone who played and plays for the club simply enjoyed doing so and making their contribution to the enterprise. Robin opined, to update the quote on our webpage, that not only were the Mandarins the only thing he kicked off in government that were still going strong, they were the only thing still going at all!
The second half (football did intrude itself just a little into our day) began with probably the oldest new ball pairing ever seen in grey and orange (c. 145 years?) as Oldies skipper Jonathan trusted two men who have not bowled for the Mandarins for a cumulative 52 years (Murphy admittedly with more recent form at Elstead, but Jarvis a genuine left field left arm wrist spin choice). The age gap between Pat and Sam Charles facing him exceeded the lifespan of the club. Tunbridge Senior and Charles Junior were unperturbed and progressed to 28 before Sam fell victim to an implausible direct hit diving run out from mid-wicket by No 168.
Heard and Rob Eastaway then upped the pace, but Graeme, Harry and Stan were equal to it and played many festival shots of their own. Sam Tunbridge (aged 11) then took up the challenge and, on the evidence of today, will be far too good to play for us when he is a teenager. But although runs flowed wickets were falling. The last 20 overs began with 104 needed and 3 wickets down. Healey exerted a modicum of control, then it was time for super-slow leg spin from both ends, Mills and Baxter twirling away to tempt. Jackson was duly tempted and hit 4 boundaries in 25, before falling to that wiliest of bowling foxes, J Porter Senior.
Regular readers will know that I have previously commented on skipper Jonathan’s ability to magic up classic finishes, and today was no exception. 6 overs left, 48 needed, six wickets down. All results possible. Jonathan shares the last 6 overs between 5 bowlers. Masterstroke is bringing back Jarvis. “Why Jarvis?” shouts Mrs Jarvis from the boundary. Because he tempts. Sam Tunbridge vigil is ended by a straight one. But skipper McKeon plunders the rest of the over for a dozen. 18 needed off 3. Rakesh is dropped off Porter. Is it curtains for the Old Guard? 13 required off 2, but Healey replaces Jarvis and concedes only 4. 9 needed off the last. Jonathan, who also has not bowled for the Mandarins since 1994, steps up. Skipper v skipper, McKeon v Wilmot, Hector v Achilles. Deathly hush. 7 are scored off the first 4 balls. McKeon to face the fifth. Dot. Two to win one to draw with scores level (it has only happened 4 times in Mandarin history folks, not since 1994). And Wilmot delivers, Chris swings for victory and is bowled. And to the bafflement of the inventors of The Hundred, the collective endeavour of 26 players over an entire afternoon is – a draw!
A fantastic day ends with drinks and hospitality at the incomparable setting of Restoration House – as ever our grateful thanks to Jonathan and Robert for hosting us there. Jonathan also to be thanked for negotiating use of the Kings School ground, and arranging the tea; Ben Charles for letting us play there; Mark Snoswell of Kings School for his help with the facilities; Helen Porter for shirts, cake and coloured pens, various veteran umpires, especially for their lbws – no fear, no favour; John Hawkins for being a superb Chairman and master organiser, Andy Heard for hosting the database which allowed us to reach out to so many Mandarins, and Dan Forman for being on top of absolutely everything before and on the day. But most of all, thanks to everyone who made the trek to Rochester to make the day the celebration it was. Looking forward to 70!
Chris Baker
Master of Records
Ps. This tasted tasted every bit as good as it looks - thanks, Helen.[Ed.]
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