Kilmington and Stourton 18/09/16

On a glorious day at the end of the season, the Wanderers arrived to play in front of the house at Sour Head in good spirits (the local pale ale from Wessex brewery in the Spread Eagle was divine).  Having elected to bat, Bob opened with Simon for the only time this season.  Bob (6) was out early, wondering out of his crease and allowing the keeper plenty of time to collect the ball and stump him!  Ravi joined Simon and the two set about playing some aggressive shots to anything short while playing good balls sensibly.  The pitch was in superb condition for the time of year and allowed players to play on length, Ravi picking up some early sixes pulling to square leg.  With the introduction of the fast bowler coming down the hill, Simon managed to use the pace of the ball to deflect down to third man and backward point to great effect.  The partnership was worth 152 when a great in-swinger accounted for Ravi.  Simon then completed his century just after the drinks interval having hit 10 fours and 5 sixes.  There were some delightful shots in an explosive innings which ended with Simon retiring to allow the rest of the DWCC batting line up to play its part.  Unfortunately Anwar was caught for 8, Roshan was LBW for 2 and David got a great inswinging yorker for no score.  Fred (having missed his train due to excessive partying in London and then catching the train to Dorchester thinking it would be close to Stour Head!) hit a few lusty blows late on before he was caught for 23 by a brilliant catch at deep mid-on.  Thomas was also taken by another great catch by the same fielder at deep mid-on before Mark was last man out leaving Mike Henry not out 3. All in all, 245 all out seemed a good total.

After tea, Fred (4-1-9-0) and Mark (5-1-11-1) set about making the target even more difficult.  Mark took the early wicket with a fantastic delivery taking an edge through to Simon.  David exerted more control over the batsmen and took a wicket but Thomas only managed 2 overs before injury preventing him from bowling any more.  He was able to mastermind a superb run out with a direct hit which left the hosts on 65-3 at 20 overs.  At this stage the light was dropping rapidly and it was touch and go whether we would complete the match.  The 4th wickrt pair were in full stride and seemilngly unstoppable.  Their momentum was aided by some sloppy ground fielding that betrayed the earlier efforts.  A highlight was seeing the ball racing to the cover boundary where Fred was throwing up over the fence following his night out!  Neither Anwar, Ravi, Bob or Mark coming back were able to stem the tide of runs and 160 runs were scored in 17 overs which gave the hosts a comfortable victory in the end.

With the sun now showing itself for the finish this was an excellent way to see the season out.

MOM: Simon

Catch of the day: Simon (only one)