Fancy a scotch egg?
With the Austria Tour now upon us there is little time to write a lengthy report on our match versus Sutton yesterday, however, it will be a little longer than the report for the Old Pilotonians match!
Winning the toss on a hot afternoon, our skipper (me) appears to have a mild form of tourettes and as soon as he wins the toss he keeps saying Bat!
Oh well, I got that one wrong; again!
Anyway, the new ‘old firm’ of Warner & Freeman opened up against some decent tight bowling from Quinton & Diaper with the left arm over bowler Diaper being extremely difficult to get away. Warner, however, did manage to smash anything off line and took the pressure off Freeman as the scored moved along to 39.
After numerous LBW shouts, Ade, maintaining his consistent start to the season, finally got given the ‘finger’ and was out for a good 29. Hamish joined Tony at the crease and the score slowly edged along without too many dramas but it was not until fairly late on in the innings that the score was finally starting to look like something to bowl at.
Hamish continued with his consistent form hitting another undefeated half century with some delightful cuts whilst I got my first 50 of the season for the Club. With time running out Brad came in to replace me after being stumped for 72 and bludgeoned a brisk 17 and nearly finishing Hamish off by running a 3 in the final over. Hamish finished on 66 and was now looking forward to a decent bowl up the hill! Beechwood 196 for 2.
Tea was taken and what another delightful spread was made by Tina; flags supplied by Colin! We were all looking forward to the Scotch Eggs but, having been left at home, there is no need to guess what Colin’s pack lunches will be for the next few days! Thanks again to all our girls for their tremendous efforts as it really does take the pressure of us athletes as we prepare to take to the field of play! Superb stuff.
Scott opened up from the War Memorial end and settled in to a good rhythm without, again, getting much luck.
Ian took the second over and quickly got amongst the wickets taking Alabaster to a well judged catch by Cookie at backward point/deep gully. From there on though it was hard work and both Moore and Liddiard steadily built a partnership that took the game away from us. Both batsmen reached their 50’s but, soon after, Moore was well caught by Jim behind the wicket off the bowling of Garnett in his 12th over, great perseverance and a well earned wicket.
I must also say that, whilst Keith did good job behind the ‘timbers’ after the drinks interval and taking the plaudits for a good catch and stumping, Lee’s efforts prior to drinks were just as good with some excellent foot and glove-work, it was a pity that no chance came his way but nonetheless, the improvement that Lee has made over the years behind the stumps is there for all to see and bodes well for the rest of the season.
Brad came on at the A25 end and bowled a few ‘jaffas’ but was unable to make the much need breakthrough so the DoC was then introduced in order to attempt a mercurial ‘Brasted Invicta’ type turn about of our fortunes! Whilst Steve bowled well the task was pretty much beyond us and Sutton were now nearing their target with overs to spare.
Both Steve, a fine stumping by Jim, and Hamish took a wicket a piece and somewhat stemmed the flow of runs but, with wickets in hand and still time on their side, Sutton reached their total with 3 overs to spare.
With Lyn not being able to make it along it was left to Tina and Colin to run the raffle this week and, with all the takings made over this last year our Girls have raised a magnificent £570 odd quid towards the Tour Fund, absolutely fantastic.
Therefore, I end this report with thanks to Tina and Lyn for all their efforts and hope that they have a great Tour in Austria as well as us all; Tina & Lyn, the first drinks are on me (Ron, you are also included in this!) Cheers.
Beechwood:
Boss, Cooksley, Freeman (c), Hill, McCrea, McLachlan, Morton (wk), Pogose, Robinson, Warner, Woodward
Final words from the DoC:
The track was a belter, and although we batted well, Sutton simply batted better. Good showers though!
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