Match format: 2.30pm time game, 20 overs after 6pm.
Rascals win by 5 wickets
Apologies for the lack of supporting stats for the following report, but with no scorebook available…
The Grannies lost the toss and the Rascals’ skipper put them in to bat. There followed an absolutely classic display in the field by the Rascals, catalysed by a stunning catch at shoulder height and to his left by Will Drew at point to dismiss their opener.
Paul Keeling (village end) and Anthony Lund (pavilion end) opened the bowling for the Rascals with 10 excellent and consistent overs each, restricting the Grannies run rate dramatically and taking three wickets between them in to the bargain. In light of this, and seemingly a little short of bowling, the skipper was left with the easy choice of keeping Keeling and Lund on for longer than any limited over game would have allowed.
At first change Richard “Dixie” Dean came on to bowl from the pavilion end, and began his season with some equally fine (if at times a little leggy) deliveries. Dixie continued in the same vein as the opening bowlers in restricting the run rate.
He was joined at the village end by our perennially late arrival Toby Clifton (work commitments), whose deceptively short run up disguises some pretty medium-quick, fizzing seamers. This change spelt trouble for the Grannies, whose wickets quickly started to tumble. Clifton’s opening wicket was a high catch to the skipper at deep mid-off, who fortunately held on. There followed another brilliant catch at point, this time taken by Jamie Flint who had begun proceedings with the gloves but had had to hand them to Will Drew owing to recent knee surgery. This one was hit equally sharply but was picked up by Flint low down to his left.
Some very sharp ‘keeping by Drew was responsible for another of Clifton’s wickets.
In all Clifton took 6 wickets (for an unknown sum) and was the pick of the bowlers in terms of cutting edge, but credit must go to all four who bowled superbly and for long spells.
Considering it was our first game of the season one can presume that arms had not been turned for at least eight months, and our sympathies must surely lie with the four bowlers whose pain the following day can only be imagined (and smirked about!).
The Grannies were reduced to 162 for 9 (all out as they only fielded a team of ten).
The only dampener on their innings was the need to stop for rain, which fortunately led to only a 15minute delay [ironic to think that the Chair/Grounds-man had been praying for the previous two weeks for a drop and had even had to have the hose pipe out on the strip the evening before!].
A delightful tea was then enjoyed by all – kids and adults alike – provided by the Chair’s wonderful wife, Carole. She even made the cakes herself.
So with a gettable target of 162, the Rascals’ opening pair of Paul Ross and Matthew Roberts arrived at the crease, and between them set us on our way with fine displays of patience and punishment of the bad ball, of which there were few.
After an assured start, Ross clipped one to short mid-off and went for a useful 24, which brought in Drew who started to play some classy shots and glances. The pitch was playing well and there was some bounce (although as ever there were one or two that kept low). However such bounce did for Drew as he tried to glance to third man and was caught behind.
Roberts continued to bat with efficiency until his wicket fell, but not before he had posted a very useful 43(?).
Geoff Knight and Jamie Patterson continued the upward trend before losing their wickets with the score in the region of 125 for 5.
Flint and Grigson made a winning contribution to see us home with a couple of overs to spare and 5 wickets in hand, the skipper making an unbeaten 36.
All in all a very good opening to the season. The Grannies had cancelled the fixture for the last three years, so it was great to welcome them back to Stonegate – and to send them on their way “tail between legs”.
Much thanks must go to the Chair for preparing our wonderful cricket pitch and for such a flat, playable wicket.
NeiloRascals Club Captain
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Thanks Capt.
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