Scores: SCC – 207-5 (40 Overs) lost to SOCC 208-4 (38.1 Overs)
TLDR; most of the memorable events in this match involved cricket below the normal Division 5 standard. Losing the toss can happen to anyone, but being asked to bat first with a bowling attack missing many regular bowlers didn’t bode well. Dropped catches from both sides ensured that both teams scored 200+. There’s no telling what the totals would have been had even half the catches been taken.
Anyway, the game got underway and Arthur and Cam strode to the crease. The Shotford CC attack contained only one medium pacer – both openers would probably prefer the ball coming onto the bat rather than the slow, slow bowlers who somehow managed to keep the scoring in check.
Arthur (41) and Cam (45) rode their luck early and put in the groundwork for what should have resulted in another decent sized opening partnership, and a lot more runs for at least one of them. Unfortunately, Cam was out to one of the 4 catches that were taken by SOCC at long-on when looking to accelerate the scoring. Rob, skipper for the day, came to the wicket, survived a very loud LBW appeal first ball (that he clearly hit – even though the bowler didn’t think so and gave our excellent umpire a bit of cheek) and consolidated the innings further – code for slowed it down.
Arthur’s batting day came to an end when he ducked a long hop, left the periscope up and clipped the ball as it looped to their keeper. That was indicative of how Arthur’s afternoon would develop, more later….
George joined Rob and both found scoring difficult against the lack of pace and it wasn’t until John, Willy and Ross got to the wicket to push the score over 200. Willy in particular rolled back the years and scored his 22 runs off just 13 balls. Plenty of loud “Yes, Go” were heard throughout the park while he and Ross gave the bowlers something to think about at last.
The Shotford bowling was okay without any bowler standing out, although this might have been differed had they not dropped an estimated 12 catches! Obviously, dropped catches is not something Sennocke ever have to worry about – if the ball goes up someone catches it (apart from Rob)… or so it has been for the majority of matches this season.
The Shotford innings began with their opener taking an unhealthy liking to Ross (his bowling) and he was punished up and over the cover and extra cover area during a ferocious onslaught during the first few overs. The other end saw wily old campaigner Phil Sheridan (2-20) changing pace, length and line to defeat both openers with the score at 62-2. A full repertoire of skills were on show and when the most plumb obvious LBW in the history of cricket was turned down (didn’t cost too many runs though) a few subtle verbals also ensued. Phil was still going on about it over his mixed grill at the Oak Spice many hours later!
A false sense of security was presented when their number 4 entered the fray – he chewed up some time and didn’t seem to know how to play Phil or Brian. Once Phil’s excellent spell was completed Arthur came on and bowled him with his first delivery. Unfortunately, for Arthur (and SCC) that was one of the few balls directed at the stumps. Arthur’s spell ended with the ignominy of him being warned and then removed from the attack (incorrectly as we later found out) due to a series of full bungers that should really have been smashed onto the croquet lawn.
The SOCC number 3 (Paige 53*) pushed, prodded and escaped several drops to consolidate their innings to the point where they needed less than a run a ball. Brian (0-25) finished another impressive spell with an injured and corrupted buttock that probably meant his performance that day (and evening) was less than optimal. Unfortunately as the saying goes “catches win matches” and without taking wickets you’re always in trouble if the other bowlers haven’t bowled for 6 years. Come and have a bowl John – 2 overs later and the game was done and dusted.
Unfortunately, their best batsmen seemed to be in the middle order and as both Phil and Brian were bowled out there was no one to keep the scoring in check when we needed it most. Having said that Cam bowled well again in difficult circumstances and some decent deliveries mean he will definitely be called upon again (even if it is in 2022!). The tree took a pounding and a couple of massive 6’s meant SCC were on the wrong end of a game that at least went the distance – even though the result was the wrong one for us.
CATCHES WIN MATCHES!