Second XI Match Report vs Almondsbury (A) Saturday 13th August

This week seen us travel north on the A4174 to a new ground for all but 1 of the team. Almondsbury CC was the destination, as Craig mentioned he’d hit one on to the A38 I thought we were in for a treat. 2 absentees (Ethan to the first team & Sharply had gone surfing) meant we brought back third team player Jon Hake and long term injury absentee Alex Garland. Ashley returned to wicket keeping duties.

As the ground basked in sun we inspected the pitch and I discussed with the opposition skipper about starting early. The toss was an unusual occasion but I will call it another win for me. We were fielding. I turned to a new combination this week and I was not let down. Charlie Phillips from the Tennis court end and Jon Hake from the M5 end. Charlie began masterfully and threatened constantly. Hake from the other end settled in to a lovely rhythm and in fact I didn’t make a fielding change for an entire 3 overs. As we put pressure on the wickets began to fall. Cal with a sharp catch at cover off Hake. Charlie was very unlucky but managed to get the opener out at a third chance - longega with a well watched skier. As Charlie bowled her 8 straight she finished with a return of 8 overs, 2 maidens, 13 runs and 2 wickets. Her spell included 41 dot balls and a number of dropped catches. The spin bowlers and hake then rotated and we were always on top. Wickets falling regularly. Craig with 2 more put him to 33 for the season, Hake with 2, Noel with 3 and Rhys picking up one. We were very happy at the interval but still felt we could have had them out for less. Almondsbury reached a total of 123 for 15. Notable shout out to Jon Hake who bowled very well - in 35 degree heat, also took a great catch and saved us another 10 runs by fielding like Rhodes in mid wicket.

The interval involved cheesy chips, buffalo wings, Dr. Pepper and the teams favourite - orange tango. During the break there was the unusual event of 250 Birmingham city and 1 Cardiff city fan arriving to support us. 5 coaches and 1 BMW. Huw was enticing a riot but the Birmingham fans remained calm and refused to engage with him.

The batting - the run chase was made to look easy. Callum and Rhys took us within close distance of a ten wicket win but unfortunately Cal was caught in the deep for another score in the 40’s. Rogers come In and briefly entertained the crowd by cracking one six on to the coach window. With us losing 2 wickets it was left to Longega to see us home. Rhys batted brilliantly and his patient 37* was the glue we needed for victory.

We are now third and still have to play the top 2 sides. Confidence is high and we now have a great chance to get promoted.

Special thanks to the Grove family for their support. We are sure your Boy done you proud. Also thanks to Kevin Moore who made the short trip down from Home to watch our innings.

POM - Charlie Phillips (2 in a row)
Donkey of the Day - Jon Rogers
Quite of the Day - Westbrook to Rogers “haha good take butterfingers”