Lots of issues before the game even started this week. Selection dilemas & would Pooky & Joe would still be at Riverside, having arrived a full week beforehand, to prepare properly for the big game?
Before this weekend Writtle were top of the table with 165 points, Gt.Totham in second place with 164 points. With the gap to 3rd place a huge 45 points, this game really was the decider for the division champions.
Selection - Jack was ejected from the squad, but apparantly, scored at rapid pace in the Colchester League early in the day. Could be a selection error? But, did he get out at all? a lot? every 2nd ball?
Nick had dropped a posible chance off John's bowling at some point this season, so the axe fell. In true Gt.Totham tradition, the captain seleted a member of his family to play instead (he'll probably open the batting & bowling & have his dad pay his match fees!)
John, Joshua, Drew, Cheesey, Pooky & Joe took to the field/sportshall carrying the hopes of the squad for a famous victory against old rivals & fellow title contenders Writtle. The toss was won & Gt.Totham elected to bowl. Cheesey & Pooky started off well, but the change bowlers did not continue in the same way & Writtle scored freely. It was not until John's accurate throw ran out the Writtle skipper that the first wicket fell. John then bowled a wicket maiden, which meant that his figures were awful rather than disgraceful after a very poor first over. Writtle continued to bat well, with 3 batsmen scoring decent totals. Our fielding was good, with 5 catches & no drops, but everyone bowled at least one poor over, which accounted for over half the runs. Writtle ended up on 131 & the game was in the balance.
The batting display was poor. Only Drew reached a reasonable total & poor shots coupled with 2 excellent catches from the opposition captain saw us all out for just 54. This was our worst batting performance of the season, when we needed our best. Writtle were the best team on the day & deserved thier victory.
The selection committee might go the same way as Ashley Giles & Chris Silverwood, when the season is reviewed. The fans demand success & finishing second in division 1 may not be acceptable to the team that won the 2nd division & the Junior cup last season.
Never mind, there are 2 more games to go & it's mathematically impossible to finish lower than second (I think?), but possible to finish top if Writtle slip up.
