Bride Vale 25/06/17

With the hosts electing to bat, Mark set about using the variation in the wicket to his full advantage.  He was able to exert bounce and swing outside the off stump which quite frankly the batsmen were not able to make contact with!  Next to Simon were 3 slips and a gulley but Mark’s only wicket was a C&B.  Not only did he look like taking wickets but it was nearly impossible to score off. (9-4-7-1)  Luke struggled with his line and length but David was irresistible – his line and length perfect for this wicket.  His 4 wickets (4-11 from 9), including that of Dean who looked to be in form, were crucial in turning the game in the Wanderers’ favour.  He was denied an early wicket taking chance when Pete attempted a catch at square leg – the ball went high but straight to him – when Mark came charging into him diving under Pete and taking away his legs before dropping the ball.  Pete came off badly but Mark showed his clown abilities spledidly.  In fact, he was able to double the humour when diving to stop the ball on the boundary (after it had already stopped inside the boundary) he threw the ball over the boundary for 4!  Mike Henry was in the most unusal position of 2nd slip for David and needed some adjustments to his position regularly!  Tommy took 1 wicket with a perfectly flighted delivery before Peter came on.  Despite bowling numerous wides, his analysis (2-20) showed how difficult he can be to get away.  In fact, he would have had another had Mike M not thrown the ball above him in attempting to take a catch at cover!  A sharp run out from Pete was followed by Bob taking a wicket when Mike M redeemed himself to take the catch.  All in all the display from the Wanderers was good and 90 all out was a good effort.

Sarah was in charge of teas and did a quite magnificent job.

Pete H and Mike M opened the Wanderers innings to great effect.  Mike, despite some huge swings, was not able to get the ball to the boundary but was able to keep the scoreboard ticking over while Peter was playing some fine attacking shots at the other end.  The opening stand of 78 promised to be the only one until Peter was caught for a splendid 54.  Adam, Mark, Mike (14), Luke, Pete and Simon all fell for the addition of just 11 runs leaving David to assist Tommy in getting the Wanderers over the finish line.  A remarkable day noted for the absense of Cliff from Bride Vale who overdid his 60th birthday celebrations and slept on an air bed in the pavillion doing untold damage to his back!

MOM: David

Catch of the day: Mark C&B