The Totham 1s took to the road again, this time a relatively short trip to Rettendon, too many changes to mention, so simpler to say we lined up: Nobby*, Henge, Pook, Tommy, FGA, Melman, Mutton, Timbles+, GD, JFH, RK. Nobby fresh from wedding and mini moon in Ibiza won the toss, chose to bat, heading out with Henge. They both started well, profiting from anything loose, Henge hitting a big 6 early into the houses, and we were away. This ended with the score on 71, Henge sticking to his trick of getting out around 30, 32 this time caught behind, and brought an elevated Pook to the crease. He and Rob accumulated a few, before Nobby tried a shot too many and caught for 40, Pook soon after finding the only fielder in the deep to depart and leave us 102-3.
From here, the two experienced heads of Tommy and FGA working together, Tommy starting quickly before FGA took over, unleashing a series of beautiful cuts along the way, making use of the rapid outfield. A big score incoming, and the 100 partnership passed, Tommy unfortunately falling 2 short of his 50 caught and bowled. Josh came and went, so Mutton, playing in his first first team game in 8 weeks, accompanied FGA. The pair put on 61 in the last 6 overs for the, but more importantly, FGA brilliantly made it to 107 with 3 fours in the last over before being dismissed from the final ball. We knew that 288 gave us a strong chance, but Rettendon had good batters and the outfield being quick, we would have to perform.
Tea Rating: Very good offering overall; sandwiches, pasta, Quiche, cold meats, just missing some Crisps. 8.5/10
Henge and Pook took the new ball, and while neither bowled at their best, and we didn't field great either, Pook did do some damage. He got the Rettendon opener to reach one on the next pitch and cut straight to Henge, got the number 3 LBW and then the number 4 caught well by Melman coming in from the cover boundary. In amongst this GD had replaced his older brother and bowled with some serious pace, bouncing the opener (he did pitch it near his own toes to achieve this!). In the same over GD nipped the edge of the Rettendon captain, only to see it dropped by brother Henge, no matter, a few balls later, no extra runs scored, the same occurred but this time Henge clung on. The runs however, continued to flow, and more misfields dripped in. JFH replaced Pook just before drinks and nicked the fifth wicket, bowled middle stump, but at drinks the run rate was being more than kept up with and we knew all wickets were needed.
JFH kept control at his end, RK tried at the top end but the less said about that the better! Nobby rotated his seamers from the top, while JFH got his second wicket, bowling the aggressive Druce for Rettendon and taking potentially their last threat, his spell of 2-32 from 9 displayed control. Henge had returned at the top end, bowling all sorts but finding 2 wickets, and edge to Timbles and an LBW, before a small partnership kept Rettendon live and us frustrated. Finally, Pook stepped up, enticed the number 8 who had worked the partnership well to cover for a third Henge catch and Jug, before finishing the game next ball bowling the number 10. Pook finished 5-43 for his first first team 5 wicket haul, but more importantly we had won by 68 runs to keep our survival push going!
MoM: As much recognition Pooks bowling display deserves, FGAs hundred was exceptional and set the game up for us.
