The end of the 2012 season, that is, 25 weeks after it began. Yesterday's game was my first October fixture ever (well, I think - though I do remember a short net session one year, ages ago) and it occurred on what appeared, at midday, to be a marginal day for cricket (at best). But guided by our groundsman, Jon Steward, we turned a patch of damp grass into a sensible wicket, despite all the recent rain.
The game itself began in a low gloomy cloud and saw Whitchurch volunteer to bat; and we made a pretty good fist of it, I reckon, reaching 159 in 35. Richie Leach made a long innings of 73, ably supported by the top half of the order, who all made meaningful contributions. Paul Vaughan's quick-fire 23 at the end made the difference between an OK score and a good one.
With Greys Green batting, wickets began to fall rapidly, most of our bowlers taking one or two to leave them 6 down for not many. No-one was fooled by this swift progression through their order, as an element of reverse batting was surely in play. Good catches were taken by Paul V at short-extra (2 of those); two more for Satya at mid-wicket, and Nick intercepted their skipper's bid for six more into the horses field to pluck a fine catch from the air overhead. Catching is definitely a contagious condition, as is dropping.
Greys needed 6 - 7 an over for the last dozen or so, and 24 off the last 3. A wet misshapen ball (that's evening dew) and obdurate batting proved just enough to take them to the finishing line with three balls to spare.
Watch out for the photos in the coming days, including the excellent team of chilli and goulash prepared by Kathy Kilford and friends.
Andy Heard
The game itself began in a low gloomy cloud and saw Whitchurch volunteer to bat; and we made a pretty good fist of it, I reckon, reaching 159 in 35. Richie Leach made a long innings of 73, ably supported by the top half of the order, who all made meaningful contributions. Paul Vaughan's quick-fire 23 at the end made the difference between an OK score and a good one.
With Greys Green batting, wickets began to fall rapidly, most of our bowlers taking one or two to leave them 6 down for not many. No-one was fooled by this swift progression through their order, as an element of reverse batting was surely in play. Good catches were taken by Paul V at short-extra (2 of those); two more for Satya at mid-wicket, and Nick intercepted their skipper's bid for six more into the horses field to pluck a fine catch from the air overhead. Catching is definitely a contagious condition, as is dropping.
Greys needed 6 - 7 an over for the last dozen or so, and 24 off the last 3. A wet misshapen ball (that's evening dew) and obdurate batting proved just enough to take them to the finishing line with three balls to spare.
Watch out for the photos in the coming days, including the excellent team of chilli and goulash prepared by Kathy Kilford and friends.
Andy Heard
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