After last Saturday’s disappointing loss to Groombridge, the Shoreham 1st team were eager to get back to their winning ways against Hadlow. We won the toss and elected to bowl, in spite of the sweltering heat and being one man short for the first half an hour. James (9-38-0) and Nigel (8-48-0) opened our attack but neither could make the breakthrough. It took the introduction of Ed (7-43-3) to finally get the wickets our pressure deserved. Solid catches from Mark D behind the stumps and Mark McD at mid-wicket, as well as an inspired dive from Sam at slip, sent Hadlow’s top three back to the pavilion. Bob (9-42-0) then bowled extremely tightly at his end, and Steve (7-44-1) managed to get us our fourth wicket. This, however, was all our bowlers could muster, as Hadlow’s remaining batsmen ploughed on to reach 221 – which included 28 of our finest extras.

In reply, Mark D (25) and Andy M (13) got us off to a good start, hitting 23 from the first 2 overs of one of Hadlow’s opening bowlers; but finding it difficult to get the other bowler away. This other bowler, Mitchell, ended up with only 15 runs against him after his 9 overs. The trusty Trick duo came in next, and kept Shoreham up with Hadlow’s run rate. Sam departed for 33 and James eventually for 38. Cue The Steve Show. A rapid bash around by Stevo (39) and Krishna (26) brought us within a sniff of victory. However, the drama was not over as Mark McD was caught on 1, and Ed for 2 soon after. Fortunately, the clear-headed Nigel (6no) and pea-headed Jasplin (4no) saw us through without the need for Bob to go out again after having a rather preemptive shower!

A classic session at the George ensued after we had made the journey back from Hadlow; joining the victorious 2nds in celebration, and getting Elvis back on the ghetto blaster. Result.

- Ed

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Posted on Wednesday, 1st July, 2009 in 1sts Match Reports.