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1997 Feb 16

I don't normally devote a page to one match or even one partnership in this 'ramble'. On reflection I should have added more pictures for Amy Jones 155* against the Australians at Beckenham but I have just witnessed an equally impressive innings from Sophie Luff at Bath in the Club Southern League Final. With team-mate Sophie le Marchand  she added 262 after Bath lost their first wicket to a doubtful run-out decision with just 2 runs on the board.

Luff finished on 141* while le Marchand made 94 and thoroughly deserved a century. This was undoubtedly the partnership of the year for me and Luff's 141*, in a very different format of the game from Jones' earlier innings, and, it must be said against rather different opposition, was nonetheless the best 50-over knock I have seen. Anyone who considered coming to the match but didn't make it, missed some fine batting in one of the most attractive and welcoming grounds in England.  Bath CC are undoubtedly doing something very right indeed when England hopeful Fran Wilson batting at 4 is hardly needed. I had travelled there to watch those two bat but le Marchand's 94 ensured Fran had a relatively easy afternoon!

If club cricket survives its current, and perhaps greater, future problems, I'll be back next season to watch this talented batting line-up again. And somehow I've managed to write this quick aside without mentioning one of the two finest fast bowlers in the world. Now I can't imagine I'll manage that very often!

Sophie Luff hooks to reach her century

Sophie le Marchand

As a photographer it can be very difficult at times to pick players when reviewing the 700 or so frames I tend to shoot at each match. Many of those are not worth considering, of course, but there's always the hope a number are. Often faces are in shadow or a shot doesn't indicate enough of a player's face to help identify them. So who's who below? A simple tip - look at the batting gloves. It was once the only clue I had when the Blackwell twins were batting together with the same brand of bat, the same colour rubber on the bat handle and even the same colouring on the boots!

Sophie Luff

Sophie le Marchand (above and below)

Sophie le Marchand

Sophie Luff (above) and...

Stars of the day celebrate - Kate Randall (left) with 6-18 and Sophie Luff with 141*
With her 5th wicket Kate became the leading wicket taker for all Bath CC teams this season!