It seems rumours of Buckhurst’s demise were premature. There they were, large as life – the same familiar faces and the same names on the shirts – Axtel, Drown and Riley. J Simmonds was there too. No, not the beauty who played Kirk Douglas’ wife in Spartacus, nor the blood-spitting, fire-breathing and tongue-wagging front man from Kiss. Only the team’s name was new – Penshurst Bucks – much posher.

Shoreham’s skipper continued his winning form – well, as far as the toss is concerned, and Shoreham took to the field.

The Bucks’ reputation for big hitting is legendary, so the addition of first- team bowler Gary Hukins and Lemmings opening bowler James Baker (guest-starring for the day) were much appreciated. Both bowled tightly to keep the run rate below 3 an over in their spells.

Opener J. Drown stepped across a straight one from Gary and was given out for only 6 runs. The Shoreham skipper, fielding at short mid-on, provided a rare on-field contribution by taking a sharp one-handed catch off a well struck drive from Bucks’ captain Sharp (20). Jack Rivett juggled a similarly well hit shot from R. Axtel (12) at mid wicket. Leppard (16) missed a straight one from Ray which would surely have landed in the next parish had he connected. Ray then dismissed N. Riley (1) lbw. Jack got his 2nd wicket bowling J. Simmonds (18). James Baker took the catch of the day with a spectacular dive at cover off Paul Styles’ bowling, dismissing D. Riley (24). Dan James’ eventful over saw S. Axtel caught and bowled for 16 runs – most of them scored off the very same over. James Baker finished off the Bucks’ 10 men taking an easy chance at square leg from Bob Stacey’s 2nd over.

The Bucks had scored 113 runs but Shoreham sportingly provided 29 extras to boost the visitors’ total to 142.

A special mention is deserved for Harry Stacey, who shared fielding duties with his dad and very nearly got 2 run-outs.

A delicious early tea from Cath Styles was leisurely enjoyed, during which Harry defected to the opposition.

Shoreham’s opening batsmen Haysler and Styles took to the field and steadily took to the bowling. Alex practised his two favourite shots – the square cut and the guide down to third man – a less than brilliantly executed example of the latter seeing him caught at slip on a promising 27. Paul batted well and proved his sprightliness by running a 3, eventually falling lbw after a useful 25. Ray succumbed first ball to a great delivery from D. Riley, which swung away then seamed down the hill to remove the left hander’s off-stump. George Stacey played a cameo role as the third member of the family to grace the field, bringing Kumar to the crease. Kumar’s innings (30) was easily the most entertaining, not just for the 6 fours (3 of them in consecutive balls off the hapless Sharp), but also because he had the honour of becoming Harry Stacey’s first ever wicket in adult cricket.

The victory was completed by Gary Hukins who, after seeing off D. Riley’s hat-trick ball, played a cultured innings of 28 not out.

Well done all.

- Pat

Posted on Sunday, 1st August, 2010 in Friendly Match Reports.