Poulshot v AVCC
With the heavy rain that fell in Wiltshire yesterday it was debatable whether we would get a game or not; but as the start of play grew closer the clouds decide to stop dropping rain in the area of Poulshot.
So the game was on - I arrived in Poulshot at 1730 in order to inspect the pitch and the outfield (the latter was a little on the damp side with a few puddles) but as the track was an all - weather pitch it was in a good shape.
I then waited for the rest of the team to tip up and knowing Avon Valley I would have a bit of a wait - this did not cause to much of an issue as this was Poulshot first game since 2001 and the home team had a club photo with the press on hand to write an article on their victory...
The team started to arrive (Me, Ish, Pete W, James C, Mike R, Charlie Bo-didlly, Geoff and Nigel) well 8 of them. Which was enough to start things off, hoping that re-enforcements would arrive in due course.....but alas that did not happen - so we played with 8 (a good 8).
I won the toss and elected to field - So play began......Charlie and Mike Rea opened the bowling. A good tight start by the opening pair with a maiden first over and a wicket off the second. The bowling continued to be tight and at the 10 over point the home side were 39 for 2. Pressure was maintained during the next ten and wickets fell at regular intervals and the home team finished on 88 for 6 of their allotted 20 overs (2 Wickets for Charlie and James and 1 wicket for Ish and me, in addition Mike, Nigel and Pete bowled some very tight overs to add to the pressure). So a great first half.
Then it was our turn to bat - Mike and Ish opened the bat and the home team had some tight bowlers of their own, and in the second over we lost our first wicket with 2 runs on the board (Ish). I then went in at 3 and set about building a partnership with Mike. The going was steady until I miss-judged a straight one and was bowled with 39 on the board. Nigel kept the momentum going with Mike until like me miss-judged a straight one and he was making his way back to the pavilion (or trees). This then saw Charlie make his way to the crease with an idea of playing IPL brand of cricket. Charlie and Mike hung around for a few more deliveries until Mike miss-hit to mid on and was caught - but his knock of 27 proved to be invaluable. Geoff then joined Charlie and the beast was unleashed. Charlie hit couple of sixes and a few fours which then put the game truly in our favour and the wining runs were hit with 4 overs to spare.
We then retired to the Raven Public House for a well earned pint of Boundary ale and a big plate of Chilli.
The winning start to the season for Avon Valley continues.....even with 8.
Well done the 8