The 1s returned to action at Bull Meadow still looking for their first win of the season. A few changes with Slats, Tommy Hawkridge and Cooper out, Drew, Mutton and FGA back in. Jonny won the toss on the early start and elected to bat.
Due to the early start, the frogbox didn't record the early and some of the most bizarre overs going. 3 wides, a couple of singles and a Nobby 4 got us up and running but the chaos properly came in the second. Waist high no ball and warning to start, for a second full toss that Henge only managed to slap to mid on and trudge back off. Drew at 3, he faced a wide, a dot and a flat batted 4, before another waist high no ball and removal of the opener from the attack. Skipper on to finish the over, bowls Drew first ball to leave us 2 down with nearly 20 off the board less than 2 overs. From here progress became more serene, the change bowlers hitting good areas, but Nobby and Liam disposing of anything loose, added to their good running between the wickets. Nobby however was next to fall, nicking a good delivery behind to bring in FGA. These two set about their work, whatever combination of Springfield bowling did little to slow the progress. Liam passed his first 50 of the season and the partnership neared 100 before FGA was caught trying to work the spinner behind square for 36. A little wobble came, Mutton and Pook missing out, before JH came to join Liam with time in the innings. Liam kept hitting his way towards his 100, despite Springfield setting 8 men on the boundary and eventually got there with a four through the covers. The board was whistling around again with Liam's hitting and wides adding, and then the most unusual of things, a JH 6, benefitting from playing on the smallest ground in the country! Unfortunately trying to repeat this feat wasn't happening and he was out caught. Liam followed suit shortly after, his brilliant 121 ended, the tail did it's best to wag as the last wicket fell from the final ball, with the score 277.
Tea rating: Sandwiches, Nugs and more pasta than an Italian family could manage! Unfortunately points off for leaving half of it at home and the murder scene jam sandwiches. 7/10
Totham took the field confident of a first win of the year, however with the occasional risky shot and sharp running Springfield got off to a good start, until a ball hit to Henge at cover, a yes called for a run even Usain Bolt would have struggled to make, sharp throw, bails taken and wicket one on the board. This only slowed Springfield briefly, the number 3 getting off the mark with back to back sixes, before breakthrough number 2 came courtesy of JH. Having seen the century man drop a dolly, FGA took a sharp chance backward of point to make drinks a little better. From here Springfield accelerated, taking particular liking to Tommy W on the short boundaries, but he would have the last laugh! RK and Pook returned as the asking had got down to 90 needed from 15 overs with 8 wickets left! Both bowled well, Pooks stint finished bringing Tommy W a change of ends, and after a couple more boundaries, he struck, swept hard and flat but safely into the hands of RK and the door opened.
From here it appeared Springfield went into panic mode, still only requiring a run a ball. After an earlier iffy effort Henge showed his safe hands taking snaffles from both Tommy and RK, before Tommy hit the stumps to grab his third. Momentum now had swung very much in Tothams favour, Jonny returning for a tight over and Tommy finishing well, the attention turned to specialist fielder Henge (3 out of 4 isn't bad). He duly showed he could bowl too, pinning middle stump and leaving us 3 wickets for victory, 2 overs and 12 required. JH back again to bowl his last, second ball hit straight at FGA, returned to Tim and a second run out secured, backed up later in the over with a full delivery providing another bowled, and Totham on the brink! Henge to bowl the last, first ball 4, second ball dot, third ball full toss, up over away for a single and a no ball call! Suddenly down to 6 from 4 with the number 11 on strike. Another dot followed by stolen single, 5 from 2, a big swing out into the longer leg side, RK swooping as the batsman turn, collecting cleanly and finding his shoulder last seen in 2016 to return safely to Tim, confirming the run out and victory by just 2 runs!
A massive effort from all, Liam's century with the bat, behind with the ball but Tommy's bravery, some good fielding and excellent death bowling under pressure! Ready for a lovely trip to Ilford!
