MATCH REPORT - SAT 3RD XI (13TH JUNE)

League Position: 1st

Balcombe back driving the Mercedes Benz Vito this week! Oozing class giving the team a smooth ride over Bracknell 2’s to take 20 points and put us back on top of the division.

Top of the table clash. Won the toss and put them in on a slightly damp track. With Si Farrant away and Andy P still recovering, Stalwart Mark Sutherland opened up with a slightly reluctant Mighty White (not reluctant to bowl, just more concerned with his follow through..). However, mind over matter prevailed and Chuckles the Mighty White kept Bracknell’s opening pair fully under control giving no loose balls to score off. Mighty White might consider a regular vindaloo on a Friday night if he bowls like that every week. By drinks on 23 overs, Bracknell were about 43-1 with no need to change the bowling. However, eventually something had to give, and that sent Mr White off the pitch for a few overs…. Sir JB1 (he deserves some recognition) took over from Mike and colt Ben Haslam (on debut) from Chuckles. As the run rate was behind, Bracknell looked to increase the tempo . A couple of wickets fell but the run rate increased as Bracknell wanted to reach a sensible target. A fine innings from their number 5 who hit to all parts and ex Bagshot man (Broomie) helped them reach their 163-6 off their 47 overs.

Congrats to all the bowlers, especially to Ben H who got his first wicket for the 3’s and bowled really well as the oppo were looking to increase the tempo, and eventually caught a catch as well (having dropped two), he managed to juggle and hold the third. There were a few cries of “Are you Santosh in disguise?” after the 2nd, but he clung on to it! Mark and Mike were particularly frugal with any loose balls.

JB1 and the recovered Mighty White opened the batting. Mike did not last long as although I said he should use all the facilities at his disposal, I think he might have been confused as he soon came rushing back to the clubhouse… That sent in Adam Carey, who we elevated up the order as he was in such a rich vein of form……. He responded by playing some lovely shots as he and JB1 took on the Bracknell bowlers (who had opted to keep the old ball at the start). Sadly it did not last as Adam got out for 17ish, and Growler senior went back to his previous thing of hitting the ball straight to Broomie in the air and he took the catch diving to his right (having never done such a thing for us for all those years!!). This left JB1 and Charles Buxton (playing after choosing Bagshot 3’s over a school match). What followed won us the game as he expertly and with great maturity held one end and allowed JB2 to do his customary work the other and allowed JB1 to reach his second ton of the season. A tired JB1 finally got out with Baggies needing about 20 to win after a fine 102, and then Charles assumed the responsibility of scoring the required runs. Mini Growler finished it off with a fine four through midwicket.

So level on points with Bracknell, but top as Balcombe is ahead of Bracknell alphabetically, we look forward to an away trip to Windsor next week!

Big thanks to colts parent Nick Lynch for helping me have 11 players, Richard (our fantastic scorer), Barrie for umpiring the second half, Ryan and mini Growler for drying up the cups and dishes, and everyone who helped clear up etc. etc.

MOM. Don’t think I can hide it much longer from the selection committee (but it has to be JB1). He might have been coughing and spluttering, but he drove the van beautifully and smoothly.
Memorable Moments. Santosh (sorry I cannot have a match report without a mention!!). His fitness regime is in full swing as he opted to run 3rd man to 3rd man every over. Top work!
Other Memorable Moments. Ben H looking ever so pleased to have clung on to the ball, and clean bowling their number 7. Charles Buxton’s great innings to see us home. Two senior colts doing the business. Adam C’s nonchalant drive on the deck through midwicket.
Other Other Memorable Moments. JB1. Enough said.
Other Other Other Memorable Moments. Mighty White’s hasty exit from the field of play after his bowling spell and suspicion he might have got out for similar reasons…
Things to Improve. Me again, same old, same old…

Let’s keep the van rolling.

GROWLER