The pitch looked like a good batting track and conditions were warm with a gentle breeze. Beechwood lost the toss (sorry that should be Kelly lost the toss!) and were invited to bat first. This was a timed match.
Kelly and Rogers opened the batting and straight away Rogers found his feet very quickly with some beautiful cover drives. Kelly was providing excellent support and together they got Beechwood off to a great start scoring at 6 an over and putting on 60 in the first half an hour.
A change of bowling brought the breakthrough, Rogers attempting to work a full delivery from Draper to the leg-side lost his leg stump for a brisk 38. Warner came in and although the run rate slowed they were still building a good platform. Kelly’s technique was given a stern examination by Draper including one delivery that hit him just below the heart and broke his rib. Kelly bravely battled on and hit a lovely cut shot off the same bowler before he perished attempting to drive Draper and was caught in the covers for 26.
McCrea came in for a rare but deserved appearance in the top 6 and did a good job of supporting Warner who was now well set. Warner reached his 50 and was given an early Christmas present in the shape of a very gentle spinner, 25 runs coming from his second over. McCrea was eventually bowled by Kent for a decent 25. With only a couple of overs remaining there was not a lot of time for batsmen to play themselves in and Robinson came and went, bowled by Black. Savory came in and ran well with Warner before Warner was caught at deep mid-on off the bowling of Kent in the last over. There was still time for Woodward to be despatched by Kent LBW. Beechwood finished their innings on 204 for 6, a fine effort.
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Cowell and Cooksley opened the bowling for Beechwood and both bowlers bowled very tidily conceding very few runs but neither of them could make the breakthrough.
Cooksley was replaced by Boss and Cowell was replaced by Savory. Boss bowled well but it was Savory who provided the greater penetration and he broke the deadlock, Morton making a sharp stumping to remove Bolton. Morton further enhanced his wicket-keeping reputation taking a great catch standing up to Savory to remove Black.
Savory picked up his third wicket, bowling Draper. With 10 overs to go McCrea and Rogers replaced Boss and Savory respectively. Rogers took a wicket with his first ball trapping D Burrows LBW and a game that appeared to be drifting towards a draw was still there for Beechwood to win. McCrea removed J Burrows, Morton taking another catch, this boy's good - you should see him bat!
McCrea then picked up two more quick wickets bowling both J Smith and Rushbrook. Rogers bowled Kent, knocking his off stump out of the ground, a lovely sight for any bowler. Morton then performed his version of Scrooge, callously stumping Hadlow (a junior!) who had inadvertently stepped out of his crease. All the other players agreed it was very harsh and they all discussed it once they had finished appealing!
Chevening managed to hold on in the last couple of overs to claim a draw, finishing on 92 for 9. Compliments to Ian McCrea and Captain Woodward on a good tea, although it should have been good as it caused Captain Woodward to be late and miss the toss.
Team: Boss, Cooksley, Cowell, Kelly, McCrea, Morton+, Robinson, Rogers, Savory, Warner, Woodward* |
