Today we had our first home game for two weeks and with the pitch freshly prepared by half of the team team 2 hours before the game everyone was in high spirit. We had a strong 11 vs Goresbrook who were currently 1 space above us in the table.
Skipper Davis opened the bowling alongside Dockney who both bowled well. Despite the good bowling and keeping the run rate down we were unrewarded. Skipper went for 14 runs from 9 sadly no wickets despite there being a huge appeal for an almost certain caught behind not given. With some luck Dockneys second spell brought some luck with him eventually going for 2-29 off 9 overs.
The young spinning sensation Smith and clubman of the year Archibald were given the nod to take over they bowling after a great start. A lively atmosphere in the field helped young Smith bowl terrifically well taking 2 wickets. Archibald’s first spell kept the run rate down well with 2 maidens included in there, however when he was brought back on the consistency which he had from his first spell was not there. Conceding far too many runs than hoped. Batley also contributed with the ball taking 2 wickets and overall very successful in the field. Apart from the 28 wides between all the bowlers!
Mr Gooch opened the batting alongside the skipper as they both stuck at it for a while going a reasonable place. Sooner rather than later they were both comfortable and began to hit boundaries for fun of the open bowlers. Skipper was caught by the oppositions skipper ending him on 25.
Batley joined Mr Gooch at the crease and from ball one carted the opposition about. Boundary after boundary Batley dispatched the opposition into the bushes. As a result we now had no spare balls. Mr gooch was caught out for 36 and all that had to happen was someone to stay and hand the strike to Batley. He got his 50 and almost instantly reached 85. Controversially, he retired himself due to verbal behaviour from the opposition which was way out of order.
The middle order now had the small challenge of hitting the final few runs. We chased the score of 162 in the 29th over with Hickey boy (Callum Dockney) scorning the winning run with his top score of the year of 1.
Star man: Tom Batley
