Charlton Down 23/08/20

On a bright and breezy day near Dorchester, the Wanderers elected to bat and were soon in trouble with Mike M caught in the gully for no score.  Simon joined James at the crease and the pair set about building the innings.  James hit some glorious cover drives necessitating a man out on the boundary early on.  A big appeal for LBW against Simon was given even though the ball was pitched half-way down the track from right arm round the wicket (and clearly pitching well outside leg stump according to the captain and keeper).  Simon was called back.  The umpire then showed his “professional” credentials by attempting to put the bails on the stumps with long end in the middle!  James (29) was bowled with the change of bowling producing a considerable increase in the pace.  Tom was unlucky when he was adjudged LBW from the spinner which appeared to pitch outside leg but then had a thick inside edge onto his pad!  Simon (37) went for a big drive and almost made the boundary but was very well caught just in front.  Dane was run out by Simon T to leave the Wanderers 81 for 5 with 21 overs still to bat!  Mike H was due in but was still asleep so Paul went to join Simon.  This partnership was worth 22 when Paul was c&b for no score.  With Simon T (26) going for a big heave-ho to a straight delivery and missing, 107-7 from 25 was critical.  Big Dog and Mike H (now fully rested) looked to steady the ship and Mike H (4) appeared comfortable at the crease until he was undone by a loopy delivery.  David joined Big Dog for the last 8 overs and by attrition they put on 26 together to complete the innings on 141-8.  This did appear to be 20-30 runs below expectation given the limited bowling attack of the Wanderers, but never say never.

Fos took the new ball along with David.  This combination, along side some quality fielding, kept runs to a minimum and brought about some pressure.  It was Paul that got the breakthrough with a delivery that moved slightly but was perfectly on the money and took middle and off.  The incoming batsman went in similar fashion and then David got in on the wickets when Mike took a sharp stumping.  Luke came on and got into rhythm quickly and deserved his wicket with a yorker length delivery. Paul (3-17) took a stunning return catch although the batsman questioned the bump ball which it never was.  Simon (1-14), struggling with a knee injury, came off 2 paces and found a good line and length – getting the dangerous left-hander trapped LBW with a big appeal on leg stump.  Simon T (3-16) took some late order wickets with a few grenades mixed with some fast leg-breaks and the final wicket belonged to David (2-14) when Mike took another stumping.  A 55 run victory was unexpected but an enjoyable game was had by all.  Some drinks followed with the opposition and a good first game at Charlton Down.

MOM: Paul for ripping out the first 3 batsmen.

Catch of the day: Paul for a sharp c&b.

Quote of the day: Opposition captain when Luke took his wicket: “sometimes the slow bowlers get the results – not implying you are slow!”