Detail: 20-05-2018 - Shamley Green


Result: Won by 24 runs
A splendid afternoons cricket was enjoyed by all on Sunday at the classic short road filled boundary ground of Shamley Green.

The starting line-up looked healthy in the run up to the match but on the morning of the game the emails starting to come in of stomach bugs, re-curing injuries and general malaise and despite 3 pull outs we still ended up with 10 players.

After 2 crushing defeats to 'The Green' the blues looked sharp and eager and despite losing the toss were put into bat on a very furry Sunday wicket. Our opening pair of Rolfe and Das got off to a steady start playing a few shots and getting used to the conditions before departing for 3 and 10 respectively. (Das being the first notable LBW decision given by a blues umpire). Youcef came in at 3 and immediately looked at home stroking the ball to all parts of the ground. At the other end Fitzgerald, Edghill (blues debut) and Farmer all made notable contributions in the 30's. Freeman and Mullet added a few blows at the end but the star of the innings was a somewhere between 80-99 knock from Youcef. This brought up a competitive total of 249 in our 35 overs.

A healthy tea and no warm up saw the blues take the field in confident spirits. Our opening duo of Mullet (7-48-0)and Glenn cranked up the speedometer with some accurate stuff. Glenn (7-25-1) finally got the breakthrough in the x over which bought the oppo skipper in at 3. With his entrance the run rate started to increase and the outcome of the game started to look in the balance. Miles (7-62-0 also on debut) then took a spell from the pub end with some tidy overs keeping the runs in check. A change at both ends then brought Youcef (7-62-1) up the hill and Freeman from the pub end. Youcef dismissed the captain with a classic caught and bowled and Freeman chipped in with a 3 wicket over from the other as the game immediately swung into the blues favour. From then one the Blues managed to keep the game interesting but with the required rate nudging 10+ a couple of good overs meant the game drifted from the Green. Freeman remarkably finished the match with a 5 for including a wicket with the last ball of the match and to put to bed the cries of jug avoidance from the team. The Green finished on 225.

Thanks to all those who played in what was a very enjoyable Sunday fixture + great to get a W.

MVP went to Youcef for providing half the team, nearly scoring a century, taking a wicket (I thought you got 2?) and taking a couple of belting catches. Top effort lad!


I believe Fitzy has been in touch regarding future fixtures so please let's try and get full teams out for the remainder.

Cheers

Guy


[updated 23 05 2018]