Match Report
Another lovely day for cricket following a dismal week weather wise. On paper we had a strong batting line up but possibly a tad light on bowling. Predictably the toss was lost and we were asked to field.
Last minute replacement Jonny Ayling opened the bowling with John Willson and it was immediately clear that the track wasn’t playing particularly fast! Jonny bowled a great first spell, beating the bat and just missing the stumps on numerous occasions and was unlucky not to pick up a couple of scalps. Runs were at a premium although following the opening spells only 1 wicket had fallen. Jerry Wright and Edgar Fernandes then entered the fray and while Edgar bowled consistently well, giving nothing away Jerry produced one of the spells of the ages. Bowling a tight off stump line he took 7 wickets for 21 runs in 13 overs. A club record surely? Jody bowled a tight few overs and was unlucky not to snaffle a wicket. Jonny and Edgar picked up a wicket each in their second spells and job done. Ramblers all out for 112.
The chase started well with Jody and Edgar looking comfortable although the track was clearly still playing slow Edgar fell after a few overs and Jody was unlucky to be run out off a deflection while backing up! John, Nick and Justin all succumbed to the temptation of playing “July” shots in May and the cricket Gods then toyed with Jerry as he was bowled first ball. The game looked lost but Rob Symondson was still ticking along and the lower order then showed how a slow track should be played. Rob and Nigel batted sensibly and patiently stuck in, frustrating the bowlers. We lost Rob, then Luca (it would have gone miles if you’d connected!) which brought Scott Fern to the crease. Scott showed grit and a very solid forward defensive stroke and upon losing Nigel, Scott saw out a very nervy last over, with Jonny Ayling ably holding up the other end. Final score 68-9 and match drawn
ConcordeThames Valley Ramblers 