Priston 16/07/16

Five of the touring party met in the superb Coffee Den cafe in Pylle for a big breakfast.  Following this great start to the tour, we reconvened at the Ring O’ Bells pub in Priston for a pre match beer where the Webley boys had arrived in their hire car (no permission from respective other halfs to take the family car!).  The toss was duly won and the Wanderers elected to bat on a good looking wicket at the picturesque Priston venue. Simon was in a hurry and scored 29 in opening 6 overs before being caught.  Mike Moore was the other opening batsman and he batted really well for his 35 before a tired shot (running is not his forte) saw him lose his stumps.  Jon was already playing with freedom by this point and the introduction of Tommy allowed both batsmen to play with some aggression.  Jon, having taken some ribbing in the pub about not being part of the 100 club, was determined to reach the landmark but appeared to get very nervous as he got nearer.  A simple chance to the keeper went down with him on 91 before he offered a run out chance on 98!  Tommy lost him a run by running short before he managed to get over the line.  He retired on 109 and the innings was declared shortly afterwards on 266-4 with Tommy not out 68.

After what can only be described as the best tea we have visited, the Wanderers took to the field and the fill of tea seemed to have an effect on the bowlers.  They all struggled to find their length and offered scoring opportunities to the batsmen.  Both took the chance and progressed to an opening stand of 137 before Jon took the opening wicket of the innings with a beautiful late in-swinger.  With Bob now operating at the other end, the wickets were falling regularly with Simon taking 2 stumpings.  Bob finished with 4-48, just avoiding the jug and Jon with 3-24.  Pete bowled well and picked up a wicket and there were 2 run outs with some superb fielding from Tommy.  A fantastic finish ensued with Jon claiming the final wicket in the penultimate over. A great match with a good win by 53 runs.

MOM: Jon – an all round performance

Catch of the day: Jon