Buckhorn Weston 09/06/19

A new fixture for the Wanderers and 13 men turned up!  The hosts elected to bat but Mike C struck in the first over with no score on the board – a delivery that bounced half way down the track and again just inside the crease after the batsman had missed it trying to hook to mid-wicket and then hitting the foot of off stump!  Ali was looking comfortable at the other end with good line and length and some in-swing.  In the 5th over, an action replay of the 1st wicket completely got a big breakthrough for the Wanderers.  Ali (0-13 from 4) was replaced by Sahil, bowling right arm round the wicket and getting considerable movement with his flighted spin.  His 1st wicket was an LBW that appeared to have some doubt.  However, his second was a fantastic catch at deep mid-wicket by James who made it look rather easy when in fact it was anything but!  Sahil’s contribution was magnificent (2-20) and was backed up by the skipper bowling at the other end.  After a rusty 1st over, Simon found a decent rhythm and picked up the opener’s wicket when he played on to one that cut back.  Simon’s second wicket came from a sharp catch by Jack behind the stumps when a little bit of away swing drew the outside edge.  Simon nearly had a third when the batsman played straight back towards him, only for his right ring finger to hit the ground hard trying to get under the ball and dislocated it!  David put it back in and then took over the over.  He bowled really well keeping a tight line and applying pressure.  The only maiden of the innings turned into a wicket maiden after a strong LBW shout.  PW was having some difficulty pinning down his line and length and was replaced by Tom who, after his horror 1st ball wide, found a good rhythm.  The last wicket belonged to David – a diving one handed catch by James at cover when Mike Moore (playing for the opposition) wellied the ball off the middle of the bat! 138 all out.

After a long first over that resulted in 4 wides, Tom was caught with a leg glance to square leg for no score.  James was into his stride early, hitting a huge pulled 6 over cow corner!  David (7) was ticking it over at the other end until he was bowled and Dane (13) continued in the same vein until he too was bowled.  James retired on 82 to bring Sahil to the crease, who effortlessly dispatched 2 of the 3 balls he faced to the boundary to seal the victory in the 26th over.  A hugely successful 1st match at Buckhorn Weston and then to retire to the pub for some fine ale. (No Mike Henry who did not get the message that we had a full team but went off for a cycle ride but did not join in for a beer).

MOM: James (82 on debut and 2 very good catches)

Catch of the day: James in the deep

Quote of the day: “I’m not sure Dane’s enjoying that” as another delivery jumps and hits him on the arm!