Chitterne v AVCC
Yesterday was swelteringly hot and 8 of us turned up to play Chitterne. Chitterne are a really nice bunch of guys and have been a nemesis of us more often than not. 25 overs game as local rules.
Graham Newland won the toss and decided to bat and try and wear the opposition out.
Our premier pairing of Angus Harley and Simon Borthwick strode out and quickly found that the green pitch was playing low and slow, and the outfield was lush and holding the ball back. Cue for some frustration and patience.
Sadly, Angus was out for 3 caught on the boundary off a very definite no ball (chest height). 14-1. Mark Banham (thanks for helping us out again) quickly followed caught out by an ankle roller for 2 (16-2), and then to cap it all, Simon was out for 11 caught off another high no ball. 19-3 and the cream of the batting enjoying the shade.
Jon Wolverson and Graham Newland had to steady the ship, and they did so. Grafting for every run in the hot sun, they put on a 75 runs partnership, mainly in singles due to the pitch. Graham went for 21 to a highly dubious lbw wide of the leg stump and Jon cut loose.
Ben Pugh-Cook (many thanks for volunteering, 1st game of the season) was unluckily out caught by a good catch - unlucky as they dropped 6 other easier ones (4 off Jon alone). Ben Eveling looked lively for 8 not out (on the ground where he previously had his highest score) and we finished the 25 overs on a creditable 126-5.
And Jon, was man of the innings with his highest ever score (not just AVCC) of 65 not out. On a ground difficult to score on, he hit 3x6's and 6x4's. Quite a feat. I think the boxing training is paying off and in the batting department for Jon this season - who has easily surpassed his best ever season total.
Tea was great. Lots of cake and sandwiches, and we were in good heart re-starting. The opposition leant us 2 players in the field. However, in reality we didn't just lack a fielder, we were light on our strike bowling attack - even for 25 overs.
Jon Wolverson (still hot) and Mark Banham opened the bowling and bowled well. Mark in particular looked very menacing. Their batsmen hung in there, scampering byes and singles.
Ben Eveling and Graham came on. Both bowled better than at other times this season and chipped away, and both took 2 wickets off 5 overs. We missed a few difficult catches during the period that would have improved figures.
Mark and Jon came back, and Mark took a great wicket. He deserved more for a good display. If only we had more overs per bowler.
Angus Harley also bowled tidily.
Ultimately, they passed us in the 23rd over for 5 down. Ironically, the pitch played better in the 2nd half as the sun dried everything.