The Vagabonds are a cricket club based in Hampshire that, according to one of their principles, "arrange fixtures against known social sides and preferably against weaker opposition so that they may all enjoy good averages".
But it was not going to be a good day for the batting averages on a damp day and a sticky wicket; only 2 of the Vagabonds passed 20.
Sam Sargant bowled on or outside off stump and Ed Hands got bounce; he grabbed the first wicket, played on.
57-1 soon became 89-6. Neil Wood got the second wicket, with a catch off his own bowling, Mike ‘Blood’ Bath picked up 3 wickets in a marathon 11-over spell. Ladenburg looked the most dangerous and picked up 2 wickets, including a Neil Wood lookalike.
Set 110 to win, Brigands started swiftly; the first wicket fell at 27 in the 6th over as Jay lobbed one back to the Vagabond spinner. Ladenburg chased dogs off the square and pulled and drove smartly to 41. It was left to Turner and Henderson to start their season as they finished the last one, with a 50-run partnership to win the match.
A hat-tip to Harry, Nina, and Gerry for getting the ground ready and to Andy Reed and his family for setting a high bar for Match Management.
Vagabonds 109 all out, Brigands 110-2 won by 8 wickets