Detail: 27-09-2009 -
Result:
Rob Baldwin
Colin Wiskin
Richard Mullett
Michael Noolan
Stephen Metson
Paul Whelan
Aidan Liddell
Tom Jordan
Alan Porter
Luke Finch
Jon Burchfield
40 over match - Shepperton 182 for 5 The Blues 116 all out in 34 overs (Baldwin 30) Lost by 66 runs
This is a new venue for the Blues and Shepperton are still getting used to their new (2007) pavilion and facilities on the banks of the Thames - although the river and most of the surroundings are hidden by dense woodland. As a final fixture of the season, we felt lucky to enjoy baking sunshine and a rock-hard pitch 3 days before October - even though the start time of 12.30 was a little early.
Sent into the field, we were initially a man short, but Shepperton's scoring rate was kept in control thanks to accurate bowling from Luke Finch and Colin Wiskin. Later Rich Mullett also showed his consistancy with his first two overs as maidens and conceding less than three runs an over from his allotted 8.
Although the hosts tried to accelerate the scoring at the end with two run-outs in the final over left the Blues thinking that the total was achievable. However, starting our reply before tea, we found that after 8 overs we were 3 wickets down with barely 30 runs on the board.
It took a stand of almost 50 from Aidan and Rob to steady the ship, but in the end too many catches were going to hand. When Luke was tempted down the wicket to the slower bowler, the game was up.
Thanks to the Shepperton team for the fixture and we hope to repeat it next year slightly earlier in the season.
[updated 30 Jul 18]