Yeovil Panthers 03/07/22

After the previous year’s wash-out, this was the inaugural match between the sides, with some familiar faces in the opposition.  Having elected to bat, Ben (1) was run out and David (0) was caught before the game had got going.  Simon (3) was caught behind fishing at a wide delivery and when Leo (5) was c&b, the Wanderers were in trouble at 21-4.  Skipper joined Tommy and set about pressurising the fielders with clear calling and purposeful running.  Skipper (18) was caught behind by Shan off Raj trying to guide the ball to third man (66-5) bringing Brett to the crease.  Brett (14) hit some boundaries before he was bowled by one that kept a little low (110-6).  Foz (8) was short and sweet and Mike H didn’t trouble the scorers.  Tommy (63) was bowled bringing an end to a solid innings that regained his spot in the overall run scorers from Mike M (138-9).  The last pair at the crease were Mike M and Big Dog.  Skipper was busy making the tea but the pot had plenty of time to brew with the last pair playing a sensible combination of defence and playing shots into gaps, but picking up valuable extras (38 for the innings).  Mike M (11) was caught with a few overs left with Big Dog not out 7.  169 all out was an excellent recovery from 21-4.

Tea was provided by Skipper, and then the bowling began with Brett, down the hill, with Simon taking a catch in the first over.  Leo bowled well coming up the hill and was unfortunate not to get a wicket in his 6 over spell before he had to leave early, reducing the fielders to 10.  Brett had an LBW in his second over before Ben came on with his in-swingers claiming another LBW with the batsman going back in front of the stumps.  With David (2-31) also getting in amongst the wickets, at 42-4 the Wanderers appeared to be in control.  Foz was unable to provide the attacking potency and although Tommy’s (1-28) buffet was inviting trouble for the batsmen, too often they were feasting on what was on offer.  With Simon ripping the ball up the hill and Brett coming back into the attack down the hill, the game swung this way and that.  There was some extended batsman conferences in the middle of most overs causing some irritation for the bowlers as the tension mounted.  With 14 runs required from the last 2 overs with Shan at the crease anything seemed possible.  David bowled down the hill and 8 runs came from it.  Simon bowled the last over and Shan was keen to keep the strike, however some good fielding meant the Wanderers had their chance against the last man.  A block to short cover was mis-fielded and they got the single to bring the scores level with the last ball to play.  It appeared to turn past Shan but he secured just enough bat to play it to third man for a great win for the Panthers.

MOM: Tommy – anchored the innings

Catch of the day: Simon

Quote of the day: James (while umpiring) “Beware of the Panthers. They have sharp claws”

Image shows Skipper keeping with Foz covering all slip locations!