Fonthill Park 18/06/17

On the hottest day of the year so far, the toss was always going to be important – and Simon won it!  Tommy opened the batting with Mike Moore and they managed to put on 36 for the first wicket.  When mike was given LBW for 15, David described it as a “mercy decision” as Mike was getting redder by the minute and flagging big time in the heat!  Peter looked well set to consolidate a substantial partnership with Tommy (worth 132) when he managed to hole out to mid-on for 30.  Simon clubbed a quick-fire 16 before he was caught brilliantly on the long-on boundary.  Fred joined his brother and made 21 before he was bowled and there was a chance for Nick to bat before the innings was terminated when the Fonthill Park wicket keeper fell ill and had to leave the field due to the extreme heat.  254-4 was a superb performance.

After a great tea, David and Mark opened the attack.  Mark was unlucky not to get a wicket when an edge flew past Peter at second slip at great speed.  David was tying the batsmen down at the other end and his 5 overs yeilded only 8 runs!  Peter W struggled to keep his line, allowing the batsmen on many occasions to be aiming directly at Simon!  Fred (4-22) had an awful first over – two full tosses and a long hop to start with!  After this, he managed to find his rythmn and accuracy and became almost unplayable.  He hit the stumps on 3 occasions and Peter took a great catch at second slip over Bob’s head!  His 4 wicket haul not quite enough to join the “100 and 5for” club!  At the other end, Nick was consistently finding a good line and length and occasionally turned the ball up the hill!  Simon took a sharp catch  and a stumping before Nick struck the wickets.  Nick’s 4th victim skied the ball between the wickets with Simon making the ground to take the catch.  A sharp bottom edge wasn’t taken late on which left Nick with a very creditable 4-20.  Bob weaved his magic to get the last wicket thanks to an unprobable catch from Mike Moore – diving to his left behind Bob.  A win by 157 runs and a well earned shower in the magnificent pavillion!

MOM: Tommy

Catch of the day: Mike Moore