Match Report from Chris Guest
After a tough first 3 weeks of the season with 3 defeats we needed to bounce back strong against a good Penkridge team who had registered 2 victories.
We won the toss and decided to bat despite previous frailties and it proved to be an excellent decision. We managed to rack up an impressive 273 despite Niall and Jem leaving straight ones. Macca returned to form with a 100 and is leading a running between the wickets session with the juniors this week….Powles looked in good form for 30 odd before he listened to Macca. Perm turned up and scored a well made 38.
In reply we knew we needed early wickets to keep in the hunt as the wicket played very well. Haroon picked up his customary 1 wicket and Adam took a 2 early wickets instead of getting hit for 4. 40 – 3 and we were well on top. They then put together an excellent partnership which took them up to 220 with 8 overs remaining. A flurry of wickets followed with Adam adding another 3 to register a maiden first team 5 wicket hall, and captain picking up 2. This left them needing 22 off 2 overs. Captain Guest bowled the penultimate over once again smashing the stumps…but at the wrong end giving a free hit that got whacked for 4. Adam was left to defend 9. First ball was a single, second ball a wicket. Next 3 balls singles. 4 to tie off the final ball. Unfortunately the scoreboard hasn’t updated and it was believed to be 5 on the field. Adam bowled the final ball which got sliced away and went for 4. We celebrated and looked over to see Penkridge celebrating! Amid the confusion all was resolved and a thrilling tie was the outcome! Macca batted beautifully, Adam bowled excellently, Sandhu is still swinging his arms round in the field, Powlesy is still angry and Niall is still ginger.
We will be playing Penkridge CC again in the BDPCL Challenge Cup Knockout this Wednesday (23 May) at Penkridge. 6pm start. Come down and cheer us on!
Pictures courtesy of Mike Mandzuk