 |
N2 CC v Pacific CC A beautiful setting at Tudor Sports Ground on a warm and sunny day. After all the problems in trying to ensure the match would not be called off, it was a pleasure to be playing on a lovely day perfect for cricket. The opposition brought 13 players and a ten a side time game began with N2 CC winning the toss and putting the opposition in to bat. The opening bowlers found it tough going after the opening exchange which included a few half chances at slip and gully/point. The openers settled and started to play some shots scoring a solid 56 before the first (and second) wickets fell with Simon finally getting some reward for his efforts. Wickets were hard to come by on a fairly consistent pitch which allowed the opposition to have two more 50 partnerships and building up to a reachable target of 184 for 7. Whilst the bowlers were persistent, there was not much reward for their efforts although all got amongst the wickets but the fielders take credit for some outstanding work in the hot weather. Also, amongst the drops at gully and slip were also some outstanding catches with Dave Parker taking one dropping from the skies near the boundary and nearly breaking another rib this season, Simon Dyer taking one at mid-on which was hit with full force and the temporary recruit Martin Langridge taking a wonderful catch at cover low to his right. Peggy Dyer provided some respite for the fielders with a wonderful tea of sandwiches and cakes. Thanks again Peggy. N2 went to bat with firm orders to enjoy themselves but not to lose! And true to N2 traditions, nobody listened! However, this was mainly due to some good bowling from Pacific with the number one bowler finishing with great figures of 10 overs, 6 maidens, 14 runs and two wickets! With Parker falling for two runs after 15 balls and Boorman lasting five balls another temporary recruit, Robin Friend had a worrying start at number 4 giving half chances to the Pacific fielders. But once he settled, Hardisty and Friend took over and some wonderful hitting from Friend (81 from 43 balls) saw the captains eyes sparkle with possibilities. If we kept our wickets in hand we could attack the target over the last 13 overs... So from 61 for 2 N2 fell to 107 for 6 and with only 10 batsmen it seemed we were not to be saved until Dyer and Shah put some good defending to work and survived for 10 overs scoring 15 runs. Shah finally fell to a returning number one bowler but Bhatt came in to help Dyer see us home. Wonderful day, good cricket and a fair result. MOM - Goes to Simon Dyer for his two wickets, superb catch and some solid defensive batting. N2 CC Bowling Bhatt S 15 3 48 2 N2 CC Batting Parker D LBW Webley 2 Batsmen's runs 115 Extras 15 Total 130 for 7
|