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2nd XI

 Posted on: 07 Jul 2024

  Match Report2nd XI

Match Report - 2nd XI vs Upchurch 2nd XI

Richard Herridge

 Richard Herridge

Captain's Report

12pm arrival at ground: fine and sunny, pleasantly warm, playing on main pitch - nice

12.15pm all bar one of team have arrived by the allotted meet up time

(Shril decided to take the scenic route via Faversham!)

12.20pm stroll out to middle with opening partner to inspect - rock hard, though a little worn from use earlier in week; definitely bat first if we get the choice

12.30pm time for the coin toss; call heads, QE2 looking up

1.00pm stroll out to bat; it’s a long walk, better stay out here for a while!

After a few early boundaries from looseners, the Upchurch opening bowlers settle into their rhythm and pitch seems to be slightly more capricious than first impressions. The tenacious Rose finding a good length, tempts Steve into one lofted drive too many and he has to make the long walk back to the pavilion. Amal, fresh from his match winning 50 last week, languidly strides out to the middle. Upchurch’s Tyler is now into his work and, finding some occasional bounce, tempts Amal into a flash outside off to bring his innings to a quacky end. Now Sanchit’s turn to bat, having not yet hit his straps this season. All is soon about to change, though, as Master Jain’s blade begins to flash and thus the ball flies to the boundary across the lightning outfield. 59-2 after 15 and time for a drink.

We are all getting excited at the return of Sanchit’s form from the latter part of last season, when it is brought to an abrupt end by the first of 2 magnificent catches in the deep from Upchurch’s Rakesh (we hope he catches like this on a Sunday!). Time for Dan to join his skipper, accompanied by a fair amount of excitement from the fielding team who sense they are perhaps on top on a seemingly good wicket. After a slightly anxious start, Dan settles and shows good temperament in continuing his excellent form of recent weeks; a decent partnership builds to take us to 124-3 at the 2nd drinks break.

What’s a good score on this - 180 or 200? As the fielding team remind us, there are still runs to be had out here. Obviously we’re not going fast enough for their liking so the kindly deep square fielder lets a gentle tap from Dan between his legs and over the rope! Dan into his stride now but perishes to the second excellent catch in the deep. Time for a quick batting order shuffle, Deon in above Kev (sorry mate). Right call though as Deon shows the others how to avoid the omnipresent Rakesh by hitting over the ropes! Better get a move on now; a couple more boundaries, then one lap sweep too many and umpire Colin has to raise the finger. Some sporting handshakes from Upchurch on my way back (nice touch). A few more lusty blows from the lower order gets us to 204-7 which feels just above par.

3.50pm up the stairs to the pavilion for tea: a very good spread and refreshing cuppa - thanks to the Upchurch tea makers

4.20pm Anoop, opening the bowling, immediately finds the edge which is neatly pouched by Steve at slip - unfortunately, when transferring the ball into his hands it fell to ground! In a mirror of the start to our innings, a few loose balls are despatched but Anoop finds the right length to extract a leading edge and moves well to take the return catch - we’re away! Ashiq opens from the other end and after initially struggling to find rhythm gets some in the right area to trouble the Upchurch batters; but sadly with no luck and Upchurch are up with the rate. Deon comes on and immediately ties up the scoring with excellent control; which is rewarded with a stunning low return catch, diving forwards full length. The batsman was so stunned he had to be reassured by the square leg umpire the catch was clean (fair play). Next goes the Upchurch skipper, no juggling from Steve this time; quickly followed by No.5 with Deon and Steve teaming up again. Anoop bowls his overs straight through to finish with tidy figures of 9-1-33-1. Shril next into the attack and, when into his rhythm, finds the right line and length to stem the scoring. Then comes the Neil Redmond tribute act: a knee high full toss despatched to deep square where Deon takes a safe catch (they all count Shril!). Shril should have another but sadly not due to an incident with a trip wire involving Kev, resulting in a disagreement with his sunglasses (comedy gold!). Deon finishes by cleaning up No.7 and excellent figures of 9-1-32-4 (jug avoidance?).

With over 100 still needed and 4 wickets remaining, the Upchurch lower order begin to unfurl some lusty blows and keep the game alive. Govind on to bowl and bounces out the dangerous Tyler with his first legitimate delivery thanks to an excellent take by Amal off a swirling top edge. With Govind keeping things tight and a couple of overs needed from someone else at the other end, the ball is thrown to Dan. After being hit for a couple of boundaries he gets the key wicket, removing Earl with his final ball by rearranging the stumps. Still more meaty blows keep the contest tight, until Govind cleans up No.9 and Ashiq returns to pin No.11 - fully adjacent, no hesitation from the umpire.

Another excellent win for the 2s, highlighting the true team performances of the season so far.

The team returned to the dressing room to discover that India had triumphed in the T20 World Cup much to the delight of half the team and utter annoyance of one!

7.00pm time for a shower, then a well earned beer with the Upchurch skipper - thanks for a great game played in a good spirit.

7.30pm evening concludes with the team all together for congratulations and fines!!