SATURDAY XI v Compton & Chandlers Ford III's - 13th July 2019
Compton & Chandlers Ford were this weeks opposition, with the Curdridge machine looking to extend its current winning run. A few changes to the team saw the regular skipper replaced by the big hitting Adey, whilst Tav Jr swapped out to give curdridge the overseas experience of Aussie Nev.
With the sun shining on what looked a rather flat track, this weeks skipper went about cleverly avoiding the toss ‘negotiating’ Curdridge to have a bat first. Mark and Mike strode out to the middle to set about the task of giving Curdridge the 350+ score that the pitch looked like it would deliver.
M&M got off to a solid start before Mike fell victim to a faint edge through to the keeper. In came the resident Australian who looked to steady the ship alongside Mark. Some proper cricket shots and some textbook batting saw the two build a nice partnership. Nev was the next to go after a well made 20 saw Curdridge 59 for 2 off of 24 overs.
Jay was the next to join Mark at the crease to try and get the side up to a defendable total. With the run rate a slight concern, on a pitch that was proving a tricky one (a good assessment from the skipper at the toss) a few lusty blows from the pair brought up Marks 50, well batted sir! Mark then fell LBW to their spinners ‘quicker one’ as Jay continued his free flowing shots before he was caught for a well made 23.
Big hitting Adey proved true to his word, trying to hit the first ball of his innings on to the M27, a good catch lead to a first ball duck for Curdridge’s pinch hitter.
It was a tense atmosphere with Curdridge 98 for 3 with only 8 overs remaining. Que a quick fire onslaught from Keogh and the skipper. Keogh made good use of his new found muscles as he belted the bowler straight back over his head for a glorious 6, before a good catch on the boundary saw the end of a promising innings. Skipper managed to hack and bludgeon his way to a quick fire 52 before he too was caught on the boundary. Alan was left at stranded on 2 not out as the innings closed, but the damage had already been done as Curdridge laid down the challenge of 183 for Compton & Chandlers Ford.
After a lovely tea, the Curdridge machine took to the field looking to close out another victory and make it 4 wins on the bounce. A slight knee niggle caused from the other 6 games that Del Candy had already played this week, wouldn’t be enough to keep him from causing his usual chaos at the top of innings. It didn’t take long for the breakthrough to come, as the candyman had their opener trapped LBW early on.
With Tav Jr away, skipper opted to take advantage and bowl a quick bowler from Tav’s end for a change. The ball was tossed to Sammy for a like for like swap. It didn’t take long for Sam to justify the skippers decision as he got the ball turning sideways from he outset, causing the batsmen plenty of headaches. It was only a matter of time before Sammy got the wickets he deserved as he wrapped up 3 in quick succession leaving him with figures of 8 overs, 3 for 15, an excellent spell. Mark Emm then threw the rule book out of the window to take a stunning diving catch to his right to give Del his second.
With the pitch now looking like a raging turner in Mumbai, spin was evidently the way to go, and the pairing of Rob and Jay proved the obvious choice. The spin duo were clearly overexcited by the chance to tweak a few on a turning pitch and forgot how to catch. Robs call was the loudest and he was first to get underneath one that went straight up. We can only assume that Rob was slightly distracted by the prospect of a head on collision with our muscular wicket keeper, as the ball popped out. Not to be outdone, Jay was then subject to an onslaught, as a hat-trick of chances were nudged in his direction, all found the turf. The duo then decided to take their catching out of the equation as they managed to make use of the facilities, with Rob taking 2 and Jay finishing off proceedings with a wicket of his own. Compton & Chandlers Ford all out for 93.
Man of the match – a close one this week with a number of people putting their hands up, but this week goes to Mark Emm for a well made 50 at the top of the order setting a solid platform.
Notable mentions:
• Sammy 8 - 3 – 15
• Dave 52 runs
• Rob 5 - 2 – 26
Doughnut of the day – this week was an obvious choice with a hat-trick of drops, Jay takes the award.
Notable mentions:
• Mike Punt, kicking the ball over the boundary in an epic chase off of Del’s bowling was a sight to behold.
Champaign moment – this weeks champaign moment again is an easy decision, Mark Emm flying through the air to take a diving catch was a pretty special moment.
This weeks win sets up a big top of the table clash at Home 1pm vs Trojans. Support is always welcome and appreciated.