Gameweek 3 in the Northern Gateway friendly league sees GTCC face West Mersea. One change this week as Drew Whiting didn't fancy a double game week & opted to play for Captain Chadwick instead. Jack Ridge stepping in - eager to make his debut in a format where he can't get out.
We won the toss, and elected to bowl. Value & Bowser opened up & kept it tight, and that was the story for most of the innings. Each new bowler went at less than 10, as Mersea opted against aggressive shots - preferring to accumulate with singles off the wall. It wasn't until the last over of the second pair when RK took our first wicket (outside edge, juggled by Slice before nestling safely into the gloves. Phipsy take note) but Mersea hadn't really gone anywhere before that & we felt well in control of the game. The 11th over, bowled by Pigeon, was the only one in which we conceded double figures (10) and Mersea finished 51/4 (net). JFH & RK both finishing 2 overs 1/9, but it was Value who impressed the most with some genuine pace (1/19).
The chase then probably wasn't about runs, but making sure we didn't throw our wickets away stupidly. With Drew missing RK was given the finisher role so Pigeon & Bowser opened up. They took 42 for the loss of 1 wicket from their 4 overs. Game over really. Pigeon showing batting is easy when there's no pressure of getting out, scoring 29(15). 1 six for Pigeon, which should really have been caught, the fielder very much dropping it over the boundary.
Signs of cracks in the partnership though as Bowser grumbled at the Bull that he yet again faced less than half the balls.
The Value Slice partnership continued. A big No-Ball first up was pulled into the ceiling by Slice who jogged through for a single. However it wasn't until he was standing next to Value did he decide to let him know he was running so it was minus 2 scored for that ball. The rest of the partnership was uneventful, Slice told me before the game he'd hit a six in both the previous games and was visibly happy when he dispatched a half volley for 6 again this week. Out next ball (caught long off).
With Drew missing JFH was wondering who would take on the finisher role, as it couldn't possibly be the stick cricketer himself. However, with Beth watching from the grandstand, he was like a man possessed and he smashed 3 sixes down the ground. The third, and cleanest hit, clipped the ceiling first, but a quick double ensured the shot got the runs it deserved. JFH finishing 30 from 12. RK no slouch either with 26 from his 12 including 1 four and a six. The partnership was 78 and took us to 129/4 (net).
Victory then by 78 runs. Next up is Real Oddies. I'm in Scotland, how will the team cope without the gaffer? Drew also missing. Will Captain Chadwick step down to offer his experience to the Development squad? Or will the experience of the last 3 weeks be enough to grab another win?
