After being late to the meet and forgetting the keeping kit, Ridge and his men arrived at Beaulieu Park looking to build off the back of a successful couple of weeks, bagging a first win and suffering a 1 wicket loss in the few weeks prior. A strong 3s side was ready and rearing to go, with that sweet sweet W firmly in their sights, looking to haul themselves out of the relegation dogfight (who knew it was possible to have a division below this?)
On a rare occasion where Ridge-o lost the toss (6/8 toss wins)we were asked to have a bowl on a batting friendly surface. The ever-reliable Danny Kennedy (2-35) opened up with Issey (1-21) and his erratic front foot at the other. DK – surely in with a shout of most unlucky bowler in the club – had some better wicket-taking luck this week and dismissed one of the openers and the Beaulieu Park 3 in quick succession. Joe Cole, making his 3s debut, replaced Issey and found things a bit tough, but showed some great promise and potential for the future. In his first attempt of the day to hog the game,Ridge-o (2-30) brought himself on, bowling some absolute seeds inbetween 2-3 balls of dross an over, dismissing the number 5 with a jaffa. Owen (1-36) and his 40mph half track off breaks brought a wicket, with their gun bat finding the safe hands of Super Sam at long on, putting Totham in a commanding position at drinks. The 3s sniffed out an opportunity to really restrict Beaulieu. Colin showed that he was still sharp(ish) in the field with an excellent run out to bring the oppo 8 down. Super Sam (2-11) and Hot Wheels (1-11) came on to finish the job. The Beaulieu number 11 coming out and playing a classy cut shot before then kicking his stumps over second ball was a particular highlight for me. Beaulieu Park all out for 172 (34 overs) on a good batting track. Below par for sure and certainly chaseable.
Tea was a real mixed bag. Sandwich selection very strong with all of the favourites on show, accompanied by what only can be described with a ‘finest’ range of sandwiches on the side which included a lovely gammon and egg number. You love to see it. Savouries were solid with sausage rolls, cocktail sausages, savoury eggs and a mystery meat savoury item (still yet to be identified) all on show. Crisp selection poor it must be said, but this was countered with jam tarts and a bakewelltype cake effort. Cups of tea came in a seethrough mug which upset Colin greatly. Not a bad spread but nothing to especially write home about – 7.5/10
After copping some real stick from Nob and co in the last Sunday game, Ridge decided enough was enough and in his second totalitarian move of the day, opened himself up alongside the club’s latest emerging wicketkeeper-batsman, Georgey Davis. The boys saw off the two very handy openers with aplomb, picking up runs from the loose balls where possible, inbetween a couple of decent efforts to run each other out. At drinks the opening pair had nicely guided Totham to 105 without loss, with George looking in particularly good nick. Soon after drinks George brought up his maiden senior 50, looking very comfortable at the crease. A few overs was a true sight to behold as the impossible happened and Ridge-o brought up his first senior 50 as well(let’s not discuss the very tight LBW shout on 49). George’s great innings came to an end in the 29th over, departing for 65. Egg then came to the crease keen to knock off the last 30 runs and spanked the openers about for a quick fire 10, before the returning opening bowler picked up a well-deserved second wicket. Super Sam joined Ridge (67*) at the crease as the last runs were knocked off and the 3s picked up a fantastic 8 wicket W.
The 3s are now very much on the charge and are looking to take the momentum into next week against division 8 opposition. The great escape is still on!
A moment for Colin please who had to shell out £30 in jug money at The Bull for the two maiden 50s, on top of a £10 match fee. The bloke didn’t even get a bat.
MOTM – You can decide
Jack Ridge One to Watch – George Davis
