Hazelbury Bryan 15/08/21

With Hazelbury opting for a 30 overs game and winning the toss, the Wanderers set about using their limited bowling resource.  David claimed the opening wicket in the first over but then lost a bit of length that was capitalized upon.  Brett managed to get some swing coming down the hill but not too much – this made it more difficult to get him away.  He too got a wicket, that of the home skipper who couldn’t decide what shot to play and spooned it up to Chris at cover.  David was replaced by Chris who extracted turn up and down the hill with changes of pace for good measure.  This got him 2 wickets in 2 balls, bowled, in his 2 over spell, with a hattrick ball defended well by Chris from HB.  PW then came on up the hill and again he got turn with the slope.  By now cheque-book Tommy was bowling down the hill and he was certainly intent on providing the buffet, given covid restrictions meant the home team were not.  The drinks break was welcome for the Wanderers HB running free, albeit 4 wickets down.  Brett (1-14) came back down the hill to claim some scoreboard control and it was this pressure that caused the run out, with James hitting the stumps directly with Chris dropping his bat outside of the crease.  The umpire seemed unsure but Chris was adamant he was not out – play resumed.  An over later a similar incident with Chris running in, a throw from David was deflected by PW onto the stumps.  Again he was adamant he was not out but the umpire (same on) saw differently and he was on his way.  PW (0-46) was unlucky to be left wicketless after several chances fell short of fielders – one effort in particular by Tommy at long-on where he attacked the ball almost making it into a chance but alas it went for four.  Tommy’s second spell was less expensive but still no wickets (0-49).  Chris came back and was just as effective, Brett was under a high one literally warming his hands before chesting it to the ground!  He was more successful with a catch next over, but made it tricky by running in before taking it above his head.  Next over Simon was back peddling at long-off to take a good catch to leave Chris on 4-24, unable to get the 5 wicket haul.  David (2-52) came back, this time down the hill, and he had a measure of control this spell, bowling the free-scoring batsman.  In the penultimate over, a mix-up by the batsman resulted in 2 at one end.  The Wanderers declined to run out the HB player who had got back to playing after a period out of the game.  This gave HB the chance to hit 20 off the last over to get an impressive 195-8!

Despite all covid restrictions being lifted, the changing rooms and tea was not permitted so tea was individual.

After a steady start, the third over saw Mike M (2) caught and James (4) played on.  4 overs later Simon (6) was in 2 minds and consequently offered a return catch to leave the Wanderers 21-3!  Tom and Chris set about building a partnership, but with loopy bowling coming on down the hill, both offered chances for the fielders to effectively seal the game.  First Chris played 2 identical low pull shots to the man at 45o who managed to drop both.  Next over, Tom offered a simple chance to mid-wicket, who also let the chance slip away.  Lesson learnt and inexplicably the most dangerous bowler was brought off.  45-3 after 10 overs and then a small acceleration to drinks at 80-3.  A big upping of the tempo after drinks saw the Wanderers entering the last 10 overs needing 60 to win.  Victory was achieved with 27 balls and 7 wickets to spare.  The partnership between Tom (78*) and Chris (74*) was unbeaten on 178, but it could so easily have been different!

The Wanderers retired to the Antelope for beer and Tapas!

MOM:  Chris for an all-round performance.

Catch of the day: Brett – to redeem himself!

Quote of the day: “You can’t be upset when you’ve been run out twice in the same match!”