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Last updated 09-Jun-2009.
Match Report
The first XI recorded their 3rd defeat in their opening 4 games on Saturday to Bournemouth 2nds.
On a super hot day, Fred lost the toss and we were asked to field. I had commented in the week that having to bat second may benefit us as it would take the pressure off our bowlers.
The welcomed inclusion of Radski to open the bowling worked well. He beat the bat on a couple of occasions and probably bowled better than his figures (6-0-30-0). Both openers put anything loose away thanks to the fastest outfield in the west. With Radski in, it allowed Jewelly to go where he's most effective. In his first over (13th) he struck the first blow having Stickland caught behind with the score on 55. Jewells opening spell of 7-1-20-1 was just what we were looking for. Wickets were not falling, but the score was not racing along. We hung in there and got the rewards with Pete (2-31), Tom (2-42) and Fred (1-42) we restricted them to 223-6 from 50 overs. We all felt this was a bit below par given the conditions.
So the run chase was on. Against some excellent opening bowlers, Si and Colin found the going tough. 7 runs off the first 5 overs resulted in Colin being caught at mid off for 6. Pete arrived and upped the tempo straight away, hitting 2 fours (one an absolute beauty). Si then fell lbw for 5. Matty was well taken at slip after creaming a beauty off his legs. Myself and Pete then shared our biggest partnership (28) before Pete went caught behind for 46 (45 balls). Reading hit 2 fours before tamely hitting to mid off, Fred retired hurt after a swing and a miss, Tom was caught behind and Radski was bowled. We were 135-7 when I fell lbw for 29. Keith and Jewells got us up to 150 before Jewelly was bowled by the returning opener.
So a dissapointing week again. We bowled and fielded very well, this week our batting failed (first time this year). Interesting to note that their change bowlers were nowhere near as good as their openers. By the time they came into the attack, we were already 4 down and would find it difficult to get back from there. Still we have played a couple of teams who finished in the top 6 last year, so no reason to feel to down just yet. As long as we beat the teams that are expected to be around the bottom, we'll be fine. Bashley next week, lets record another SPL win!
