17/06/2001 v GROVE

lost

Following Tony's departure Adam came in to provide splendid support hitting 45 n.o. getting forward as much as possible on the pitch that led to those horrific scars.  Whilst Adam was patiently building, following Chris's departure, the other end saw a succession of batsmen offer initial support, but then get them selves out.  Mark was looking solid until his footwear let him down again and was run out trying to get back to his crease. Richard got started but then walked after a fine edge.  Pete unfortunately dislocated his shoulder whilst warming up and looked a bit out of sorts.  The final score of 127 was a good effort, and worth another 50 runs on any pitch without 5 inches of grass on the outfield.

Richard and Tony opened the bowling and although passing the edge a few times were unable to get the early breakthrough.  Tony finally removing one of the openers with a beautifully disguised long hop, which the batsmen hit hard to Martin's left, but he took a good catch.  Replacing himself with Martin who immediately made an impact, Richard taking a straightforward catch.  Although the batsmen never got the ball away they were keeping up with the run rate all too easily.  Five dropped catches and some sloppy fielding allowed Grove to trundle along without any pressure ever being imposed.  This was particularly disappointing, because as Adam pointed out, they did seem to have a 'soft underbelly' to their batting.  Martin's nephew Michael, making his debut, bowled well without threatening, but his uncle broke through again at the other end, Colin taking a sharp catch.  Grove's opening bowler came in to do a good job of knocking off the final runs, reaching their target with just over two overs to spare.  Everyone tried hard and if the chances had been taken the total would have been more than good enough.