Rascals vs' Moose - Captain's log 13.09.15

Match report Rascals v Moose, Sunday 13 September 2015

The eagerly anticipated final match of the season against the Moose took place on Sunday at Stonegate, and what a season finale it was.  The weather threatened to derail the whole affair (ably supported by the damage caused by Jez's wedding) but incredibly, we were playing by 2 pm under grey but clearing skies.

We lost the toss and were inserted by the Moose.  We slightly slumped to 18 for 2 against some sharp bowling from Tom Ogden but then a revival started which lasted the rest of the 30 overs we had to bat.  Good partnerships between Mackwood (33)/Ross (74 no)/Grigson (27)/ and Richardson (11 no) managed to take our score to 187 with meaningful but shorter contributions from Beattie (who Ross managed to run out) and Lund.

All in all a pretty solid batting display given the state of certain heads and a keen bowling attack.

We were treated to the return of a Beattie tea, only let down by the extreme absence of any tuna; a superb feast for a team feeling weary and in bad need of sustenance.

We took to the field a bit light on bowling but determined to try and defend a 6 an over run chase.  

Grigson and Keeling P started well and the fielding standard was set early on by a quite superb catch by Richardson in the gully, removing a very dangerous looking opener for much less than he wanted.

The Moose kept up with their required rate with a third wicket partnership of 70 odd.  However Jamie Mackwood revealed a previously unknown talent for off spin and he and Lund managed to take both batsmen in quick succession.

Dixie Dean was given an extended spell of 5 overs, grabbing two wickets; one to another exceptional catch, this time from Denning at point.  The figures are all on the website but all 5 bowlers performed in sterling fashion and were backed up by a very sharp fielding and catching display by the whole team.  Not always the case but very definitely the case yesterday.

The Moose innings then subsided quicker than a house on the beach in Norfolk and we were victorious by 40 runs.  Done and dusted by 6.30 leaving plenty of time for a lengthy post match session in the Bull where we reminded each other that we are now on a run of 5 consecutive winning matches as the winter break arrives so lots to play for in 2016.

A thoroughly enjoyable Sunday cricket match, played in excellent spirit with a resounding victory for a very classic Rascals side.

See you next year for more....................................

Paul R.