groups, clubs & societies : cricket club : reports archive : october 2003

02/10/03



Reproduced from the October 2003 issue of the Glenside News


" After five consecutive defeats we traveled to Witham-on-the-Hill for a friendly game - alas with only eight players. They sportingly provided us with two of their members and we played ten-a-side.

Batting first, we made 199 for 6, Chris Bower (54), Russ Fenn (30), Matt Creaney (25) and John Lamin (26) were the run-getters. The bowling was spread around by skipper Michael Wright as Witham were restricted to 187 for 9. Chris Bower claimed four wickets and John Lamin and Scott Groves, two each. The tea we had at the Six Bells was tremendous - a real time consuming feast and we finished play in the gloom just after 8.30pm.

The next day, at home to Pickwell in the league normal service was resumed - yes - we lost! We lost but it was a game we could and should have won. Due to some poor bowling, we allowed them to total 215 for 8 wickets. Barwell (2), Bower (2) and Hutchinson (3) shared the spoils. When we batted, due to aggression from Barwell (62), Hutchinson (30) and Abbott (25) we were always up with the clock. However, all three of these batsmen recklessly gave away their wickets and left us just short at 200 for 8.

Back to friendly cricket on August 24th, at home to Uffington, who share our numbers problem and put out a very weak team. Batting first we soared to 307 for 6 before a declaration, made as soon as Ralph Bradley scored 200 not out - easily beating our previous individual highest score of 163, set by Martin Palmer. Uffington were dismissed for 107, Scott Groves (3), Chris Edwards (2), Barry Peasgood (2), Michael Wright and James Hutchinson (1 each) were the executioners.

Back to league cricket on August 31st - at home to champions Hoby & Rotherby. Batting first against an accurate attack, we struggled to 165 for 7. Principle contributors were Ralph Bradley (54) and J J Barwell (36). Again our bowling, particularly J J Barwell was very, very wayward. it was some of the fastest bowling I have seen at Fishpools but also some of the wildest. Ralph Bradley as wicket keeper stood at least 20 yards back but was unable to stop many of them as they sailed away to the boundary fro 4 byes.

This seemed to rub off on the other bowlers who seemed off the mark. Phil Abbott had the consolation of getting both wickets as they sailed passed our total for the loss of two wickets with plenty of time left.

These sort of performances leave us struggling for points and looking like relegation candidates. Our home match to fellow strugglers, Harlaxton, seems to hold the key - unless we surprise everyone and win our other two matches, Claypole away and Buckminster at home!

Cricket, as I have many times stated, is a 'curious game'. So my fingers are crossed as all three matches take place whilst I am on holiday. "

Peter Kiely