NAIL-BITING FINISH TO TRADITIONAL BRIGG FIXTURE

 

Cricket matches between a school team and former pupils have been played in Brigg since the late 1920s, but one of the closest ever finishes in living memory was seen to the contest last night (Friday, July 8).
The Briggensians ('Old Boys') inched home to a narrow three-wicket win over the Sir John Nelthorpe XI in the 16th and final over, with David Baggott hitting the winning boundary.
The fixture started between the world wars following the formation of an association to represent former pupils and staff from what was then Brigg Grammar School.
BGS was phased out in the mid-1970s and replaced by the Nelthorpe comprehensive, and traditional Old Boys' summer cricket matches continued.
Tony Beel, now 82, who was educated at the Grammar School in the 1950s, was the most senior player on duty last night.
The retired former London 'cabbie' bowled, batted and fielded.
Brigg Town Cricket Club's longest-serving current player, Jack Richards, captained the Old Boys on the field - the team having been arranged by Nick Beacock who was unable to take part.
The School fielded a number of promising players who are already making their way in local club cricket.
Some athletic catches were taken by the School side which performed under the watchful eye of multi-tasking teacher John Taylor.
He arranged the game, coached the youngsters, umpired throughout and kept the scorebook up to date.
There was a pleasing turn-out of spectators, including some parents, on the boundary in warm and sunny conditions which were ideal for watching cricket but rather testing for some of the more senior players out in the middle.
As is usually the case in these games, batsmen had to take a break after scoring 25, while bowlers were restricted to a couple of overs apiece.
Better known as a local footballer, Chris Rodgers was declared the Briggensians' man of the match for his all-round contributions.
Match details: School 118 for five (M. Oades 26 retired, Clixby 23 retired, Rodgers 4-9), Briggensians 122 for seven (Baggott 31 not out, Rodgers 29, Bradley 25 retired, Moore 3-13).
Afterwards, the Old Boys made their way to Wetherspoon's White Horse (the nearest pub) for a traditional after-match get-together.
Welcome cold drinks had been provided for them during the mid-match interval, but only of the 'soft' variety!

Ex-London taxi driver Tony Beel showing his 'Knowledge' of batting is still there at 82.

A brief break in play as umpire John Taylor (at the far end) gives a score update.

David Baggott with ball in hand. He later hit the winning run for the Briggensians.

Chris Rodgers demonstrating the grip which brought him four wickets.