Second XI Match Report Saturday 25th June vs Bohemians (H)

By the BS4 Blogger

After last weeks rain affected game Bris seconds we’re back to familiar territory. A home game against Bohemians awaited.

After the news midweek of the passing of club legend John Palmer, the day was to start with a minutes silence and black armbands worn in tribute to the gentleman that was JP.

A heavy rain shower greeted the team as we arrived early for sausage baps and cups of tea, with plenty of chat in anticipation of the evenings fancy dress party with many not willing to give clues about their chosen attire.

Wardle and Westbrook were drafted in, Sharpy absent due to disciplinary reasons. Thomas was warm weather training and Rogers unfortunately injured this weekend. Ethan Maule once again included in the match day X1. John Iles, much to the delight of the team, also returned to the scoring shed for the first time for the 2’s this year.

The rain cleared, the pitch then had the successful removal of the covers, just about! Everyone done their bit and with the ground looking immaculate in the now welcomed sunshine, we were ready for the cricket to follow. Although there was still time for a few of the spinners to have a moan about the short 95 yard boundary.

An early toss done as both teams were ready to go, we lost again and once again inserted into bat first by the Bohemians captain. Captain Henley offered the slot to Jacob Wardle alongside Nutt and he accepted with an excitable yes please!
The boys strode to the wicket knowing keeping wickets in hand was key. Ashley struck two magnificent boundaries off of the first over and we were on our way. Wardle playing the more reserved of the pair nudging his way to a couple of singles early on. 10 overs and 40-0 the patio was delighted. Jacob then stepped it up hitting a few lovely 4’s through the offside and a nice tickle off his legs for another. Before falling for a well played 30 in a 66 run partnership with Nutt.

This brought Longega in, fresh from last weeks duck he’s giving out the impression it’s 0 or a load. He started well, pinging a cover drive for 4 before smashing one over cover for 6. Ash then fell for a well played 29, another job well done and platform set. Westbrook making his first second team appearance of the season was next in.
The boys set about getting us a commanding total in pleasing fashion. Some lovely shots made for some great viewing. Glovebox with another cover drive and Callum with a beautiful on drive for 4 the highlights of a great partnership. Both lads bringing up their 50’s and a big score now looked on the cards.

124 was added for the third wicket, Westbrook then got out to the returning opener for 57 and there was plenty to suggest his form and confidence is returning. Captain Henley was next and with only a few overs to go, he had quick runs on his mind. 2 runs later he was gone and it was down to Wintersgill to finish the innings with Longegas who was now into the 80’s.
The final few overs saw some more runs added and a total of 247 was posted, Harry Long Flares finishing up on 89 not out, an exceptional knock which was well supported by Wardle, Nutt and Westbrook, who would later be seen riding his blow up horse through Keynsham High Street in the early hours of the morning singing BS4 BS4. It was a happy dressing room at tea but still a job had to be done.

In tricky conditions Mexican overseas player Garlandaribaaaa and Hake took the new ball, Bohemians moved onto 14-0 but with both openers still on zero! Rachel Nutt accidentally letting one slip through her dress.
Henley then rung the changes, Friar Wintersgill and GK Wardle then set about their business with great results. Craig (3-24) is now the outright leading wicket taker in the league and Jacob (4-18) bowled superbly to restrict the opposition to 73-7. A great 16 overs from the pair which ended the game as a contest.
Then it was time for Ethan (Patrick) Maule and Charlie Phillips to try and bowl us to a maximum point victory. An indifferent fielding display from Jade Henley who thought she was playing football rather than cricket caused some interesting remarks.
A bit of a partnership happened with some nice shots involved to some attacking fields, but it was a matter of time until it was over. Boiler Repair Man Nick taking his second catch of the day to get Charlie her wicket, Hakey then took a great one on the fence for Ethan to get in on the act before Eeyore ran out the number 11 to finish the game off.

20 points, plenty of fun. Upto third in the league and with second to play next week could be the crucial point of the season approaching. Great evening fancy dress party, some good, some bad, most ugly was the phrase often heard.

Man of the Match - Harrison Longega
Donkey of the Day - Hakey
Quote of the Day - Craig Wintersgill “has anyone seen my tank top?”