Hungerford II, 1 June 24

 

Our first game this year, we were on the right end of a thrashing. The second, we were very much on the wrong end of one. The third was very, very close.

Hungerford has often been our furthest away fixture, a big classy ground with the scoreboard in the peak of the pavilion roof, that we may not see again any time soon, as next year looks like a league restructure will keep away games closer. 

They came to us this year though, and won the toss and batted, which began to look ominous as they cruised untroubled, despite some tight opening spells, towards three figures at the halfway stage only one down. 

A few overs later they were 126-2, and the removal of their number three proved pivotal, as the innings took on a very different flavour after that. Robert bowled with now customary control and picked up three, and Howard delivered a terrifically frugal and effective spell for his four, including back-to-back action replay wickets, with the same shot to the same ball and the middle stump pegged back at the same angle, as the last 8 wickets fell for just 30.

The chase began steadily, and looked to be well in control. The wicket was an old time Damerham dog, still damp with unforecast, uncovered rain from early in the week, one of those that no one ever feels in on. Their openers were very tidy, but the change bowlers brought some looseness, and the run rate crept up as the target ticked down, Henry and Howard going nicely and looked to be cruising with less than 30 needed.

But their death bowlers did brilliantly, exerting renewed pressure, and the Hs were both out in quick succession as the game shifted again. It was looking very squeaky for a while, but young Robert stepped up and played an exceptional hand, with a patience and maturity well beyond his years. 27 not out, he steered the chase home with icy cool back-to-back boundaries and just three balls to spare. Terrific game.

Written by: Si

Full PlayCricket scorecard here

East Anton, 25th May 2024

To -20 or not to -20?

On Friday, having exhausted all of our diaries, we had a grand total of 8 players available to play our away fixture at East Anton. The debate was whether to forfeit and take a 20 point penalty or take 8 players to a ground over an hour away for an almost unavoidable drubbing. Taking a 20 point penalty would almost certainly end any prospect of promotion this season and so we decided to get on and play. Things were made more comfortable by Robert’s friend Asher and his dad, Kevin, answering the call for help and offering to play at short notice.

East Anton won the toss and opted to bat first, posting 206-6 in their 40 overs. A spirited effort from our 10, with all the bowlers doing their bit. Highlights were an absolute snorter from Rob to dismiss their Number 4, a stunning one handed grab from Dom off a no ball, relentless tight bowling from Robert and Asher (including a well deserved wicket and direct hit run out for Asher), and Waz on a hat trick. And for anyone seeing the scorecard, the caught behind for Waz’s second wicket was a stunning one handed catch from the stand-in wicket keeper following a healthy nick.

The less said about the chase better, reduced to 13-8 in 7.2 overs - blown away by East Anton’s pacey opening quick. Some pride was restored by a battling last wicket partnership between debutant Kevin (11* off 51) and a Jack Leach-esque 22 ball duck from Waz. Remarkably, all our dismissals were bowled - definitely the first time I’ve seen that in a DCC game. 

Given where we were Friday AM, -20 avoided and 3 bowling points feels a good result.

Written by: Pards

Full PlayCricket score here

Winterbourne II, 18 May 24

After a sodden spring, the first game of the season finally happened in the second half of May, the latest I can remember.

Winterbourne twos are a sort of development side, half kids, half old heads familiar from seasons past. It’s a great thing for the club to do to bring on youngsters, and they have some promising young seamers.

It wasn’t a particularly fiercely fought contest though, and after a tight opening spell, the runs came fluently. The innings revolved around contrasting knocks, a steady accumulating 60 from Chris, and a less genteel 80 from Courtney, typified by some murderous head-high cow corner missiles.

Some excitement arrived at the back end when the set bats were out and 200 was passed, the only real option for anyone coming in was to have a go, resulting in one of their young lads finding himself on a hat-trick, which didn’t materialise, but he did get his well deserved five-fer off the last ball of the innings.

Edwards opened from both ends. Robert frugal with the tight control of line and length that belies his years (his accurate right arm also instrumental in a smart run out), Tommy reaping the rewards with 4 at the other end. Howard got some great away movement for his 3, and the match was concluded without drama. An odd sort of game, but it’s great to finally be out there again.

Written by: Si

Full PlayCricket scorecard here