Our fourth match of the season was against a talented Ranby team who had posted some convincing victories in the first weeks of the season. The team were in good spirits and had practiced hard during the week . Jack H won the toss and asked Ranby to bat, Charlie H and Jack H both bowled with control and accuracy and managed to dismiss one opener each and after their initial spells Ranby had been restricted to 27 for 2 off 8 overs, unfortunately the support bowlers were not quite as accurate giving the batsmen too many options of scoring shots by bowling in the wrong areas and we allowed Ranby off the hook and in the next 10 overs they added 60 runs without losing any further wickets. The introduction of Will A and Elliott W calmed things down with both bowling well, Will made the breakthrough taking an excellent caught and bowled and repeated his feat in the following over. Jack M-M then came on to bowl and bowled a magnificent spell, bowling a straight full length and putting the batsmen under pressure, he took four wickets for only 10 runs in his 4 overs, if only he had clung on to a difficult caught and bowled chance he would have been rewarded with a ‘five for’. To restrict Ranby to a score of 149- 8 off their 30 overs was a very good bowling and fielding performance.
Our reply needed to be positive. The two Ranby opening bowlers were good, displaying excellent control and direction and our openers found proceedings difficult. William W departed for 1 with the total only being 5. Freddie H joined Hugo R at the crease and looked in good form hitting four glorious 4’s, but just as we were getting back in the match, Freddie hit a really hard drive in the air and a Ranby fielder picked off a very difficult smart catch and Freddie was out for 18. Hugo was standing firm and keeping the scoreboard ticking over and displayed great defensive skills. Charlie H departed for 5, Jack H for 0, John W 2 all struggling against good accurate spin bowling. Jack M-M came to the crease and the applause was generous when he hit a straight 4 and I certainly breathed a huge sigh of relief. Jack played well and departed for 13 (three 4’s). Hugo was still at the crease and looking to score at every opportunity and his score was accumulating nicely. Elliott W went for 0,Will A hit two nice shots but departed for 8, Ed S went for 1. Hugo and Paddy D saw the total to 100 when the allotted 30 overs had been bowled and a loss by 49 runs recorded. Hugo had batted through the innings a great achievement and was unbeaten on 45.
This was a much improved performance with the bowling and fielding showing a marked improvement. If we can bat as a unit and more players make a contribution that first win is not far away. Well done.
MAC
Posted on
Sun, May 22, 2011
by MAC