The first team entertained Easingwold at the oval hoping that the winning run could continue. The ground and wicket had been beautifully prepared by Andy Jones. After an excellent warm the stand in captain Guy Whatmore won the toss and elected to field. However, the covers (once again worth their weight in gold) had to go back on as we had a heavy 20 minute downpour. We started at 1-45pm with a 39 over a side game. Niti and Ollie opened the bowling and soon troubled the batsmen. Half a chance fell to Gibson senior (fielding a lot closer in than normal) off Niti’s bowling, however, it was Ollie who snared the first wicket. Returning 1-25 in his first seven over spell. Before another run was added Niti took wicket number two as Andy Jones grabbed a very easy catch at short mid off. A quick fight back ensued and as usual it was left to Ollie Walsh to do the damage. Following his first wicket he took another in the same over, Rob White taking the catch at slip. 68/4 looked promising after 25 overs.
Eshaan came on to bowl after Rob Whites first spell, with the big hitting number five taking a liking to his two over spell smashing six’s for fun. 35 runs off two meant a change. At 107/4 we needed that wicket and Ollie Riley delivered courtesy of a decent catch behind by stand in keeper Mike Cole. Another small stand took hold before Rob White – in his second spell took wicket number six with an excellent catch by Guy Whatmore, who would also run out the next man for wicket number seven.
Total 148/7 off 39.
We took tea in the clubhouse due to the fact that the pub was out of service. Many thanks to Julie and Keren for sorting the sandwiches and savouries at late notice along with Lesley White and all the players for bringing various cakes and puddings. Ten out of ten given by home and away teams.
Guy and Ollie opened up, with accurate bowling from the opposition runs were tough early on. Guy the first to go for a duck. Ollie soon followed and once agin we were not many (23) for two, however, Niti and Coley came to the crease and despite a let off for Niti and a couple of played and missed balls we took the score along.
At 82/2 all looked good. Niti then miss timed a full toss to depart for an excellent 35. With Coley on 49 he too fell, well caught on the boundary, after another delightful innings. Eshaan once again played sensible cricket and along with Rowan knocked off the winning runs with ease.
A comfortable six wicket win despite a few tricky moments.
30 points in the bag. Thanks to Matt for umpiring and Bo for scoring. Everyone form both teams stayed behind afterwards to finish off the excellent tea and have a drink and a kick about. Top effort TABS.