Shoreham 168 all out
Knockholt 159-9
Shoreham won by 9 runs

In only the second away fixture so far this season, the Sunday side headed for Knockholt, with some new faces against old rivals in a game which was epitomised by the ‘gate’ the home side had erected which appeared as somewhat a holy grail for the home side – a tradition which the majority of the Shoreham players failed to uphold. Jackson, in an effort of skill and agility, decided he would vault the ‘fence’. What a majestic effort!

The Captain lost the toss again and was put into bat on a dodgy pitch. The word dodgy here is probably an understatement – for the 6 balls opener Alex Haysler faced before being run out by Ray for a duck, the pitch was already throwing up bouncers and grasscutters – on virtually the same length! (We won’t delve too deep into the mystery of the run out).

After this, Ray and Steve, fresh from his 139 set about steadying the ship. This worked until Steve skied one and departed for a well fought 31. Raymundo departed soon after for 20 which left Sam and Nigel to build another partnership – this was broken in almost the same fashion, with Sam going for 27 and Nigel departing swiftly for 12. We had started well, but now needed what England have been missing in the past two weeks – a finisher. Step up Richard Nash. With a quick fire 25, including some good contributions from Jackson, Andre and new recruit Matt the travelling side posted a competitive total of 168.

A troop down to the changing rooms for the tea, to review the innings, to find out who was going to be Alex’s phone a friend from the jail cell on tour, and to see Jack eat all the cakes ensued, before Shoreham took to the field to defend their total.

The home side started well, until Steve got his first scalp, the opener caught brilliantly by the lurking Nigel at short cover. The other opener was then caught by Kumar off the bowling of Steve, before a brilliant bit of field positioning left Alex with a sharp and inspired catch at short leg for Steve’s third. Steve then caught off his own bowling to leave the home side stuttering at 63 for 4. However, a good partnership from Knockholt left the home side in a good position to win.

Shoreham were in dire need of a hero, with 168 looking a much smaller total with Knockholt at 121 for 4. Step up Sam Trick. Some crafty off spin dismissed their two in batsmen, with some sharp work from Richard to send home one of their batsmen who should have been out about an hour previous (caught off Jackson by Richard) which apparently ‘didn’t sound right’. Sam had made the victory a reality with figures of 7-0-23-3, with Steve coming back on to finish the job, ending with 11.5-3-30-6. Other notable bowling performances came from Andre (6-0-31-0), Raymundo (3-2-3-0), Matt (4-0-21-0) and Nigel (6-1-16-0).

Some confusion entailed at the climax, as no batsmen appeared when their ninth wicket fell. However, sources in the know informed us that they had, to the surprise of the players, only fielded 10 players. This left the Captain to lead his troops off to the pub for some liquid celebration.

N.B. George didn’t play due to his broken toe, so contributed by scoring and getting badly sunburnt.

- Alex Haysler

Posted on Friday, 19th June, 2009 in Friendly Match Reports.