Buckhorn Weston 15/05/22

The ground at Buckhorn Weston appeared to have evaded the worst of the rain, until noon when the rain started to fall steadily.  At the scheduled start time the drizzle appeared to have abated but our hosts were keen to try to play a 35 over match on the artificial strip – the prepared wicket had puddles on it!  Skipper elected to bat in the conditions and Mike M was caught behind at the end of the first over for no score.  Tommy was joined by Chris B and the pair looked comfortable together.  The rain had meant that scoring boundaries along the ground was impossible – so Tommy did not get any!  He did manage to put on 40 with Chris by excellent calling and running between the wickets – although Tommy (21) did manage to slip and fall twice while attempting to turn for a second run!  He was eventually caught attempting a flick down leg-side only to get a leading edge offering a simple catch to mid-on.  Skipper carted the ball to the boundary second ball and the running between the two batsmen was great allowing the run rate to increase from just under 5 at 10 overs to just over 6 at 20 overs.  All the time the drizzle had returned but play continued.  Chris past his 50 with another boundary and Skipper clattered a high full toss over the pavilion.  The sharp running was the downfall of the next wicket.  Skipper called for a quick single when Chris cut the ball to backward-point.  However, Chris was rooted in the crease and sent him back.  Turning on the wet pitch was difficult and took Skipper forever.  A fumble by the bowler almost allowed time for Skipper (33) to get in but not quite.  Sandeep (6) played a superb wristy shot for four to get off the mark but was caught soon after.  By now the rain had become fairly heavy and when Chris was out stumped the players left the field for a hot cup of tea.  The match was reduced to 25 overs in an attempt to get a finish in and the Wanderers completed their innings with Brett (14no) clattering a few boundaries supported by Ben (4no). 156-5

The rain stopped momentarily during tea but the concern was the state of the pitch and the safety of the players bowling and fielding with no spikes.  The rain started as the players were readying themselves and it was decided to abandon the game.  As we retired to the now re-opened Stapleton Arms in the village, the sun came out!

MOM: Chris

Dedication to the task: David – umpiring for 25 overs in the drizzle with increasing amounts of jumpers on!