Match Report
05/06/2016 v Fordcombe
Drawn
Great game at new opponents Fordcombe
For those members unable to come to the idyllic cricket ground at Tunbridge Wells, it is impossible truly to relay the sights and sounds of a perfect day. But these words will have to do.
Being a timed match, the team wanted to bowl as our tradition demands but Fordcombe Nr Tonbridge won the toss and chose to field.
Clive and Pete S opened the batting.The pair batted with great good sense, dispatching the bad balls and picking up singles. The opening pair put on 50 runs. Pete S continued to bat and scored a brilliant 55 of 78 for his highest individual and team score. Harry (38) and Tom (18) provided some fireworks and it seemed we were on track to get a 200+ score but a quick succession of wickets got us all out for 189(10 mins to spare).
Tea was adequate and well served.
Niraj and Harry opened the bowling with control spells (7 maidens between them). Harry set up one of the openers with a slow ball who was caught and bolwed. First change were Billy and debutant Sangeerth.
Sangeerth got us the second wicket with a full ball that just dipped in time to take off the bails. Wickets were hard to come by but the team continued to encourage and kept each other in good humour.
For much of the afternoon Fordcombe Nr Tonbridge seemed to be in control of their own destiny. Some quick bowling changes resulted in no outcome.
Something triggered and Pete S remembered Pete T his ex-opening partner. It seemed like Pete S had forgotten about Pete T completely and may be that resulted in a brilliant spell on a dying track. The last seven overs turned the game on its head and for the first time we were in the game.
A terrific bowling by Pete T (3/9) and inspired second spell by Billy was almost enough to see ODCC over the line against the opponents. Paul took some stunning catches (would definitely get my vote for the catch of the season). The match ended in a draw with Fordcombe scoring 156/6.