Another classic Downs thriller. It wouldn’t be a Saturday if we didn’t have a collapse somewhere and this was one of the highest magnitude. Without our leader (Waz), opening bowler (Harry) or our Senior Pro (Cricket Chris) the team was a much different look compared to the side the previous week. The dependant James Lauder, George Sandbach and Jonny Law came back into the team. The toss was lost and Challow elected to bat first. A lot of runs were expected and the batting team showed this in the first 10 overs. Tom Costley got the breakthrough via a smart gully catch by Nick Rivett and their Auzzie batsman batted very sensibly throughout but unfortunately had nobody to bat with him. Tight pressure and bowling from our first and second change bowling meant we kept the oppo restricted during the middle period. Some fantastic fielding and clever cricket from the lads meant Challow ended on 199 for 7. Watts and Law bowling the last 12 kept Challow to what we thought was well below par.
Spoils went to:
Law (2)
Costley (1)
Rivett (2)
Watts (1)
Sandbach and Ling opened the batting and looked at ease. The 100 partnership came off only 13 overs. Alex Ling hitting some unbelievable off side shots including a phenomenal straight drive for 6. Sandbach reached 50 with another clip off the legs to then get caught on the leg side boundary from a full toss. This was only the beginning! Watts fell first ball with a leading edge and then Ling fell after a few extras 4’s for 54. Ellwood steadied the ship while Lauder, Rafiq and Costley all got caught. With the target in sight and 50 to win Elwood and Sensecall put on 22 before Elwood, after hitting 50, was stumped. Sensecall put on 23 and swept for the win!! Glorious….no wait. LBW? What? After a mighty send off by their skipper we needed 14 to win with 2 wickets to go. Law in…guess what, caught deep mid-wicket. Meardon to save the game. With the team already fuming about the LBW decision for Henry there was tension in the air. Down to 2 to win. Rivett cover drive in the air and dropped!!! Karma! C’mon Jonny, edge one for 2! No such luck, ‘I’ll smoke a cover drive to win the game thanks’. JOB DONE!
A fantastic effort by the boys and timed to perfection in my eyes. The goal is getting nearer!