The Indoor team were facing Writtle this week, boosted by the return of talisman Drew. Writtle were short of players at the allotted start time, so the game couldn't start & Writtle lost 2 overs for their innings. John won the toss (first time this season) & elected to field first, opening the bowling himself, with Sam, followed by Joe, then Joshua. After 4 overs Writtle were struggling, not many runs for 1 wicket, caught by Joe off Joshua's bowling. Writtle did accelerate a bit, but not enough to get on top. Sam got a wicket by bowling a full toss, surprising the bewildered batsman. Joe calmly ran out a batsman for another wicket, following some juggling by Drew when a simple catch was the easier option. John then took a wicket with his slower/faster delivery which saw the batsman come down the wicket, retreat back to his crease & then miss the ball anyway. Next ball staright to Drew, who didn't juggle it this time. John was on a hat-trick!! The field comes in & the new batsman blasts the ball for 6, then does the same next ball!!
The innings finished at 83-5.
With a low total to chase the batting order was mixed up. Drew opened with Nick. Drew's return to the team was almost over after one ball. Nick called for a quick single & Drew, wearing a new cap, raced from the non-striker's end. It was going to be tight & in his haste, Drew collided with the Writtle wicket-keeper, coming off second best. Some debate took place - would we need a concussion substitute? Would Drew be in the blood bin?
Neither happened & the bang on the head seemed to improve Drew's batting, as he & Nick slowly but surely made runs with ease. Nick was caught behind & John batted higher than 6 for the first time. The score kept on going up, but John & Drew departed in quick succession. Joshua tried to finish the game as soon as possible by swinging wildly at every ball, until he actually connected with one. Sam & Joshua saw the team home for our 2nd win of the season.
Next 2 weeks see us playing Hutton twice, which will be tough games.
