Eversley 4th XI v Baggies 3rd XI
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 July 2011 13:42
- Written by James Balcombe
This week saw the 3rd XI up against Eversley. With our previous encounter being a low scoring thriller, this game wasn't expected to disappoint.
With the skipper winning the toss (3 times in a row!) we put them into bat - to see what kind of score they could muster.
Opening up with Packer and Sutherland, the going was tough with tidy and economical bowling. In the end it brought a good run-out from the arm of Skilton. Further inroads were made when Packer took their captains wicket - playing with a broken toe!
At 23-2, things were looking good on a batting track. However, Eversley began to consolidate and started to put some important partnerships together.
With the two opening bowlers tiring, on came Skilton and Balcombe. In-roads were nearly made with the clever idea of the skipper trying to convert a caught and bowled chance, into an easy catch by the keeper. To Seatree's defence, he thought it was more likely Foley's chance (at square leg). Unfortunately, both missed the obvious drop, and let the skipper go and put some frozen ice / prawns / mixed veg & onion on his head.
The Eversley pair continued to consolidate, until Robinson got the break through of 2 key wickets.
With the introduction of Foley and then Bartlett to try and find some break throughs, the skipper turned to Packer hoping for "normal" service to resume.
Packers 2nd spell was exceptional, and he continued on his successful form, he took another 4 wickets to provide him with yet another five wicket haul.
Eversley ended with 200 for 9 off 52 overs.
Opening up with the skipper and Broome, the going was very slow but steady. With Broome falling at 58-1 after 20 overs it was tough work, but with Seatree and Balcombe putting on a quick fire 36 run partnership - we were back up with the run rate.
With Seatree getting out, in came the dependable Hollely. Another 30-odd partnership kept us ticking along with the required target.
With the dismissal of Balcombe, Hollely continued to ensure Bagshot remained on track, despite the loss of two quick wickets. In came Packer, and alongside Hollely - they restored order, until Hollely got bowled.
Things became even tighter, with the introduction of their skipper Webb (with the broken toe). Bartlett and Packer continued the partnership until Bartlett was out with the score at 198. Skilton and then Robinson both fell for 1 run, leaving us in a position of needing 2 runs to win off 2 balls with 1 wicket left.
With Sutherland primed with team orders, he swiftly put an end to it all by driving his first ball for two (although he had to run back in fear that he nearly ran one short), to bring Bagshot home.
So yet another good tight game against Eversley, all played in a good spirit - and a great team effort.
Thanks to Barrie and Neil for umpiring and scoring!
Next up - Royal Ascot at the home of cricket!
