After winning the toss (no this isn’t a typo, we did actually win it for once) Shoreham decided to have a bowl on this pleasant summer’s day. Ed (9-49-0) and James (9-28-2) both bowled tightly – yes I consider going for anything under 50 tight – and Groombridge began scoring slowly but surely. Their openers were eventually dismissed by James and Krishna (9-37-2), but dropped catches and missed opportunities frustrated the home side. One such opportunity was a clear run-out by Ed, throwing the ball into Mark from short fine leg, but the square leg umpire ruled that he was unsighted (behind Big Phil, of course) and therefore couldn’t possibly give it out. Krishna continued to bowl well, however, and Andy, Krishna and Phil all held catches to keep Groombridge’s run rate down. The visitors had a strong end to their innings, though, ending on 216 for 5 (including 27 extras). Sam (6-41-1), Sree (2-12-0), and Steve ‘The Cat’ (5-33-0) all contributed with the ball.

Sree and Andy marched out to bat after a splendid Trick tea. However, Andy (4) and then Krishna (3), who replaced him, both fell to dubious LBW decisions before they could get going. After the farcical LBW drama at Otford in our last game, we felt pretty hard done by once again. Steve (32) and Phil (27) then upped the rate dramatically, and Sree (45) continued to bat valiantly. Suddenly we were racing past 100. Then Sam and James, who had come to our rescue against Otford with 42 runs a piece, this week both fell for 1. It was now all down to Mark McDonald batting at no.8 (a promotion from last week, oh wait that’s just because Jasplin was back in the team – joining the Boakes Meadow Boys in the tail!) The Crook bashed a succession of boundaries before departing for 14. Then Jasplin (4), Ed (6) and Jack (4no) collectively decided that an early trip to the George was indeed nothing to be ashamed of. Shoreham were bowled out for 149 from 29.4 overs. A heavy session ensued at the pub, and all was forgotten (in the mind of this reporter anyway) on Sunday thanks to the antics at Shoreham’s first ever triangular tournament…

- Ed

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Posted on Wednesday, 24th June, 2009 in 1sts Match Reports.