01/06/2003 v SOUTHFLEET

Won

We were back at Waller Park for our return fixture with Southfleet with a full complement of eleven. Peg had to sit out this week through injury and Richard was in foreign climes. Bob Dunkley was back however from the Caribbean, and Paul Allen took Colin’s place who was off bare knuckle boxing in Purfleet!!! Martin took over the reigns as Skipper and it was duly decided that we should take the field first. Southfleet, maybe smarting from their recent defeat at out hands had made a few changes to their line up and started out with a couple of big hitters. With the conditions as they were Adam started off for us with some prodigious swing, which helped keep the batsmen on their toes. Anthony started at the other end but was having trouble in the most part with his line and length but on occasion letting loose a pearler. Adam was the first to strike getting our old mate Liam Coleman lb. with the score on 23. Ant soon followed up in the next over with Tim taking one out the clouds at square leg for just one more run on the board. A few overs later saw a change of bowling with Bob and Paul taking over. Bob didn’t need long to rediscover his touch and soon had his first of the season by removing middle stump with his usual aplomb. The Southfleet batsmen started to get back on top of things. Pete and Martin had a spell and managed to slow things up a little with some good line and length. Anthony swapped ends and seemed to have a better time of it bowling at the road end with Adam taking over at the Pavilion end. Ant got another wicket with Martin this time taking the catch. The next came again to Anthony this time lb. Adam continued his good form having one taken behind the stumps by Chris. This saw the back of the Southfleet innings broken and was soon followed with two more catches from Tim off of Anthony and Paul. With only a few overs left Anthony finished things off firstly with a caught and bowled and by clean bowling the last man leaving Southfleet with the score on a very reasonable 186. The turnaround began with Clive and Adam opening for us against a very quick pair of bowlers but with a target of 5.5 an over neither batsman sat about keeping the fielders under pressure always looking for the quick single. Clive especially was full of energy, exemplified by his grievous assault on the Umpire whilst fielding, when he appeared to ‘drop kick’ the official, (cantonna style), for merely having the temerity to get in his way whilst chasing the ball. The fifty was achieved after ten overs and things kept on schedule till the 14th over Adam when played on having scored 26. Unfortunately Clive having been joined by Chris followed in the next over edging one to slip for 33. Paul was in next and played himself in well despite slippery conditions under foot. Unfortunately Chris didn’t last much longer when he was caught a square leg after a long juggling catch. Tim was next up but was reduced to an uncustomary supporting role, as by now Paul had his eye in and was seeing the ball as big as a balloon reaching his 50 in a blistering pace with 48 of them coming in boundaries. This continued as the Southfleet total was soon eaten up in short order. The only shame was Paul run out of total and finished his fantastic innings with a six leaving him 5 runs short of a maiden century on 95 not out This match was as good if not better than our earlier win away to Southfleet, and what was especially pleasing was the team effort concerned. Everyone made a contribution in some form. Obviously Paul and Anthony did brilliantly but Clive and Adam’s opening partnership did much to set us on our way. Everyone bowled well, Chris made some excellent stops behind the stumps and the fielding was again top notch. Tim took three catches, and Johnny S and Mark stopping some vital boundary bound balls! Anyone who saw John’s astonishing bruise in the Orange tree after can now testify that his shins ARE NOT made of concrete. Top stuff from Team ODCC!!! Next week Montrose!