The All Stars returned to Bull Meadow this week with some fresh faces, and a long batting order, following last weeks defeat at Great Wakering.
It was a beautiful day and Purleigh were clearly making the most of it as they strolled over from the pub at 12:50, which made their decision to field in the 25degree heat look like a strange one. The visitors were rewarded early when Dicko and Chadders Snr did the cha-cha slide in the middle of the wicket attempting a ‘quick’ single, leaving Dicko well short of his ground and he was run out without facing. John was also run out, something that has become a bit a theme of our season so far. This brought Ant and Foxy to the crease as Totham rebuilt to 68/2 after 14overs. Ant departed for 20 and many practiced cut shots bringing Nob to the wicket to partner Foxy and the runs started to flow. Boundaries a plenty followed as the pair put on 112 in just 14overs, Foxy with the type of innings to make you feel very jealous having picked up a bat for the first time in 9 months. Nob departed for the ball after reaching his 50, not that anyone knew, leaving Foxy to complete his ton shortly after. At 225/4 from 32 overs the hosts were well placed for a mammoth score only for Foxy (113) and Joe Davis to depart in quick succession with 10 overs still left in the innings. Just 20 run were added in the last 8 overs, Totham finishing on 270/8. A good score, by far our best this season, but some way short of what it could and should have been.
Following a delicious tea, Freeguard and Taylor looked in a hurry to get home as they battered 63 off the first 6 overs. Kendall struck with his first ball to remove Taylor and Jimmy Hay accounted for Freeguard with a beautiful ball with went through the gate and clipped the top of leg stump. Kendall bowled with control and guile, but we leaked too many runs from the other end, the openers had got Purleigh in a position where they did not have to take many risks. Kendall struck again, as did Jimmy Hay courtesy of a good catch on the boundary by Ant, but in all honesty we were a bowler or two light, especially against a side of such experienced players. Joe Davis returned for a second spell which was 500% better than his first and was rewarded with a wicket, but Purleigh saw the game home with a few over remaining.
270 should be defendable, but unfortunately it wasn’t our day. One or two dropped catches again didn’t help. We go again next week!
Star Man - Foxy
