Produced by Cricket Statz - www.cricketstatz.com
Last updated 09-Jul-2007.
Match Report
After the dreadful rain of the last month it wasn't surprising that the pitch was very low and slow and extremely difficult to bat on. Neil won the toss and chose to bat (it wasn't going to get any better!) The openers put 55 on in 16 overs but what a contrast between them. Pete decided early on that the arial route was best on this wet slow outfield and his 39 came off 51 balls. Poor Lester simply could not time the ball in the conditions. Pete, out to a fine catch was replaced by new recruit Chris Grayston but by then the change bowlers had taken the pace off the ball and the scoring slowed until Matt Journeaux started a fine partnership with Chris taking us to 119 off 38. However the intended acceleration over the last 10 overs never quite happened, Matt was caught trying to move things on, Neil, run out again by a direct hit and Fred LBW. Chris was finally bowled for an excellent 42 and Neil Jones (welcome back) tried manfully to increase the total but couldn't get enough of the strike. 153 for 9 didn't look enough to me but a certain stats man pointed out that Fawley had been bowled out for 52 here this season so game on!
Neil bowled his 12 overs for just 6 runs! He only took 1 wicket, deserved about 4, but Joe cashed in the other end, picking up 3, one to a sharp catch by Simon who kept well in conditions which made keeping as tough as batting. Fawley were finding things just as difficult and some of us began to realise just how well Sarisbury had batted. Of the 38 overs we bowled, 16 were maidens and Fred as first change was just as tight and disciplined as Neil and he thoroughly deserved his 3 for 15. Matt J chipped in with a good spell and by now Fawley looked a beaten side. Only one of their batters, Parrot, was prepared to put bat to ball, he got 32 out of a dismal total of 65 batting with a painful ankle injury. Neil now gave Keith a bowl and as planned by the skipper, Parrot hit him down Pete's throat at long on.
Gooders snr. isn't here to do his IMO so I will try. Neil was super as Captain, bowling changes, field placing and keeping the lads focused all the time. The team responded magnificently in the field chasing, stopping and catching right through the innings. Chris Grayston is a great acquisition who is clearly delighted to be back with us after about 18 years away! And with the benefit of hindsight, 153 for 9..well batted lads!