TLDR; A match dominated by Sennocke from beginning to end. Dan and Arthur started the run making and Willy finished it with an unbeaten 51 to allow the hosts to post 197-6 (30 overs). Shipbourne started slowly and never threatened a victory. All bowlers maintained their lines and made scoring difficult. Shipbourne finished 87-7 meaning Sennocke won by 117 runs!
After a demoralising defeat to underdogs, Shotford, the preceding week it was back to business for Sennocke on a drizzly, cloudy day in Knole Park.
The stand in skipper, Rob, lost the toss again and Shipbourne inserted Sennocke on a damp wicket, probably hoping for some early wickets on a seaming track! The skippers decided to reduce the overs to 30 per side due to the rain and potential delays during the afternoon. Although it did rain on and off it was never heavy enough to require the teams to shelter under Vita’s Tree, but it was a welcome decision as no one really wants to stand out in the wet for 40 overs watching (umpiring) cricket! If they do they need to visit their GP ASAP.
Dan (35) was reunited with Arthur (37) and they skilfully set about the Shipbourne attack with their usual vigour and aggressive running. While looking set for another decent score Dan fell, bowled, attempting a sweepy sort of shot (he would benefit from net from Master Sweeper Tom judging from that effort). Cam came and went fairly quickly and when Arthur fell it was left to Captain Rob (22) and John to re-establish the innings.
However, it wasn’t until William joined the fun that the score accelerated beyond Shipbourne’s control. Will rolled back many years and bludgeoned his way to an unbeaten 51 containing a trade mark, majestic flick (hoick), over mid-wicket for 6. Another 5 fours and he made it to his first half century this century in only 33 balls. Final mention must go to Michael who rejected a 4th run (they could probably have run a five) in order for Will to get to his 50 – good job Callingham Jr.
Shipbourne began their innings slowly and never managed to accelerate or threaten the home teams score. Ross bowled with his normal accuracy and picked up 2-24 while Michael and Brian once again bowled their left armers for not many runs; both beat the bat regularly and were unlucky to finish wicketless. At this point the match was essentially just whether Sennocke could bowl their opposition out. Cameron once again proved how useful he can be when Sennocke are short of bowling and he picked up 3-21 – aided by some sharp catching in the field that was badly missing last week!
So, Sennocke are now back in charge of their own destiny with regards promotion – with two matches of 2021 remaining 11 points are required to secure second spot.