What a fantastic way to start off a new season, never been to Barby before very nice. “Did you know they had flood also this winter?”
Anyway to the game, they batted first and in spite of some tight bowling they coped quite well with our attack even if we kept them close to 4an over much of the time by drinks they had reached late 60’s early 70’s with only the odd wicket down. They batted on thereafter and reached a respectable 165 for 4. Bowling was well up to the task but 5 relatively straightforward catches were dropped throughout the innings to which can be added 2 more which were full blooded drives inducing flying dives from ‘Hillsy’ and Jezz with both getting hands to the ball either of which would have been an early candidate for Catch of the Season
Batting second we put on an easy 30ish for the first wicket, bringing recent recruit Martin Reeves to the wicket. Having demonstrated some skill with the ball it would be fair to say that early on it showed that he had not held a bat for many years. We quickly fell into the ‘one brings two’ routine which brought Charles Wale to the wicket. Some lusty blows followed and a promising stand looked to be building, unfortunately Martin had a moments forgetfulness and thought he was batting with Usain Bolt, Bye Bye Charlie. In comes Hillsy to join Martin in a very productive partnership taking us up to the 60, 70 ish also at drinks.
They bashed on after drinks getting us to 120ish before Hillsy went for well constructed 24. Ted Pettifer joined Martin at the wicket for the last 9 or 10 over dart. Now some really lusty hitting began, by which time Martin couldn’t miss it he duly reached his 50 after last batting a decade ago, Ted Pettifer contributing manfully to the chase. We get to the point of 1 ball and one over to go needing 7 to win. A 4 is promptly despatched leaving us needing 3 runs from 6balls. 2 are achieved and but for a marvellous diving one handed stop , almost catch, form the bowler we would scored at least 2 if not a four.
A Fantastic Tie, both sides 165 for 4. and a fantastic atmosphere all afternoon as well.
Give me Sunday Cricket everytime if this is what it is like.
Regards Brian
