The former Sunday captain Sean Bromfield skippered a very strong Shoreham side against a Locksbottom side which had a number of late drop-outs. Luckily Sean still remembered how to lose the toss and Shoreham were put into bat. Whilst most of the team tried to keep frost bite at bay on the boundary, Sean opened with debutant Alex Strange and both batsmen scored very freely from the off. Sean hadn’t lost his batting prowess and he raced to his half century but was finally caught out on 57. This meant that Alex was joined at the crease by Russell Brooks. Alex got his 50 in emphatic style but Russell was hot on his tails scoring a very quick half century. Alex ended up bowled on 82, Russell finished up with 60 not out and George Stacey chipped in with a classy 7 off of 5 balls. Shoreham finished on 231 for 2 off of their 35 overs (the match had been shortened to a 35 over game due to the bad light).

After consuming a very welcome tea, Shoreham took to the field with as many layers as they could find. Jamie Bromfield (7-1-12-1) opened with Bob Stacey (5-0-21-1) and each took a scalp very economically. Bob was replaced by Dan Setterfield (3-0-12-2) who took two very important wickets whilst keeping the run rate down. Greg Taylor (4-0-15-0) replaced Jamie and showed some impressive bowling skills which were a surprise to most of the team… Kumar (2-0-18-0) had to be persuaded into bowling his two overs which included some close shouts. George Rivett (4-1-5-1) was rewarded with a wicket which I will have to pledge to Kumar due to his diving one handed catch at square leg. George Stacey (3-0-14-0) bowled very well causing the batsmen problems and was replaced by Brad Sims (3-0-8-2) who took two fantastic wickets whilst bowling like a demon. Sean Bromfield (3-0-6-0) joined in the party and pressed the batsmen in the race for the final wickets. Alex Strange (1-0-4-0) bowled very well considering 3 of the 4 runs he conceded came from wides. Locksbottom finished off on 139 for 7 wickets which handed victory to Shoreham by 92 runs due to it being an overs game.

A special mention should go to the fielding of Shoreham which really was top of the range. Both George Rivett and Greg were demonstrating what their huge forearms could achieve and also, where Locksbottom dropped most of the catches that came their way, Shoreham held on to absolutely everything. I’ve already mentioned Kumar’s beauty at square leg but there was also Brad’s catch at keeper which was solid and Jamie Bromfield’s brilliant reaction catch at second slip where he had about half a second to get to it. Bob also took two fantastic catches including their opener who was on 49 at the time. Bob did feel bad for it but in his own words “you can’t drop ‘em can ya?”

This was the last game that Bros. Bromfield would play for us this summer due to Sean’s return to Ireland and Jamie’s travelling commitments. Although they will be missed it was good to see the likes of Alex and George Stacey who look to become regulars in the side. Yes although it was a cold and bitter day, the future looks bright for the Sunday side…

- George

Posted on Sunday, 9th May, 2010 in Friendly Match Reports.