Detail: 02-09-2007 -


Result:
Aidan Liddell
Nick Clark
Rich Clark
Sam Selleck
Mich Corcoran
Ben Appleton
+ 4 Guests!


Match Report

The Blues got a side together with the kind help of the Pilgrims who not only provided 4 players but included a star opening bat Ray from South Africa and Fast Bowler Guy plus 2 talented Indian cricketers! Just as well after the late withdrawal of Paul Beaton(twisted knee) on sunday morning.So although only 10 we felt capable of giving the Pilgrims a run for their money with a bit of local rivalry to stir the blood.
Aidan won the toss and elected to bat as some of the small Blues contingent were running late(no surprise there).
Richie Clark looking a bit worse for wear was persuaded to open with Ray(also suffering with a beer can already in hand) and a very tall Indian league player bowled at pace making life difficult.However in form Ritchie survived and played some great shots to maintain his strong finish to the season with an excellent 43.Ably supported by Ray (16) who threatened more on another day but fell victim to a slightly controversial LBW(arent they all).Still they got us off to a good start.The 2 Indian bats came in at 3 and 4 to give a boost to the middle order with a mixture of style and strength,scoring 28 and 23 respectively.Ben Appleton followed briefly with a glorious 4 followed by a less controversial LBW.As time was running out a bit of a thrash/run chase ensued as various Blues scored a few quick runs or gave their wickets away- Aidan(6),Michael Corcoran(12),Sam Selleck(0),Guy(the fast bowler)0,leaving Nick Clark not out 0.The total of 156 looked a little light as The Pilgrims claimed to be a strong batting side.
After a good tea, with conditions just a bit overcast, Blues opened with Guy Mitchell steaming in against his team mates at some pace to have their captain and opening bat well caught by Ritchie Clark at 3rd slip(having just been put there by the bowler(local knowledge!) for just 2.Sam Selleck opened at the other end as a contrast with his slow left arm off breakes(1 for 36 off 11 overs)and induced the other opener into being caught by Nick Clark for 13.Guy continued to threaten and caught their no.3 LBW.This brought in their star bat Alex who, we had been warned, would drive us all over the park.Guy had other ideas and first ball produced a snorter of a bouncer that Alex couldnt resist and just got an edge to, which flew high and wide to Ben Appleton's right.He stuck out his right glove instinctively and it stuck! That moment probably cost the Pilgrims their chance of a win.Guy finished with 3 for 22 off 10 overs of good aggressive fast bowling.Their No.4 was batting well and was on his way to 50 and the No 6 scored 20 but Saika( the No.4 Indian bat) also proved a useful spin bowler picking up vital wickets(3 for 12 off 3 overs-one well caught by Mitch) and tight economical bowling from Nick Clark(0 for 28 off 5 overs)and Aidan(1 for 24 off 7 overs)meant they had only scored 129 for 8 when stumps were drawn! A good competitive match played in good spirit with some great moments and a fair result after another good Blues display in the field.
It should be noted however for those competing for the Fielding award/trophy that a couple of skiers were dropped by Mitch and Sam in the last couple of overs that might have affected the chance of a result! Votes(with reasons) please for the Blues Fielding Award(over the season).This award was presented in memory of a former Blues wicket keeper so keepers are definitely included! Catches have been put down this year by virtually all the main contenders,so the field is wide open!

[updated 30 Jul 18]