Urchfont v AVCC - Wed 21 May
Opportunity lost tonight. AVCC fell 13 runs short of the 98 for 9 target.
It all started so well. The skipper made his best call of the season (so far) by employing a surplus but experienced Urchfont bowler, rather than Dudley who declared himself match-fit only in the batting department. If some members are surprised at this, I can reveal that Dudley continues to wage a campaign to get reduced OAP membership fees despite being only 60. We saw you scamper two this evening, Dudley, and your better half has confided that you have breached the strict AVCC personal fitness code by over-indulging on a Greek island.
Keith, the ringer, proceeded to destroy his own (strong) top order by taking 4 wickets in 3 overs for not very many. Urchfont were reduced to 33 for 7 off 10. The 8th wicket partnership was fruitful however and Urchfont gained some respectability in the second half. We had a number of bowling and fielding highlights. Tim Law bowled three fine overs, Ben Jones also and took a fine steepling catch at long on, Matt White, despite another over-exertion injury, produced a great pick up and throw down at one stump, Peter Williams surprised himself with a good catch at cover, Angus Harley kept well including a sharp take standing up and Mike Parr produce two good terminal overs of Swann-like off-spin. The skipper rashly felt we would at least have a bit of batting practice at a relatively easy target.
Unfortunately, Urchfont's bowling was constrictive and their fielding a bit more youthful than expected. Mike Parr played some fine shots that were cut off by great dives. Dudley and Robin Youngs hit some fine shots but failed to turn the score board over with regular singles. We barely reached 25 after 10 and despite having wickets in hand the middle order was left with too much to do. Despite some desperate thrashing in the last five, AVCC subsided to 85 for 8 off their 20. Not disgraced, but the skill of regularly picking up singles needs to be taken on.
All was forgotten when sausages and chips, and a number of fine pints were located at the Lamb just down the road.