Minchinhampton CC Saturday Reports

1st XI vs Tormarton CC 1st XI – Sat May 12th 2012

After 2 weeks of washed out games, Minch worked very hard to get a wicket ready despite the horrendous recent weather. Credit must go to grounds man Mike Waring and his assistant Dave Cruickshank for getting the pitch in great looking shape despite the weather.

Given the damp look to the wicket, captain Pete Wallis had no hesitation in putting the opposition into bat. Tom Shearman got 1 to spring of a length only for the potential catch to go down off just the 4th ball of the game, as the wicket looked to have erratic bounce. Last years SDCA Premier League No. 1 bowler Pete Wallis got straight back into the act as an edge popped to Rich Scott who made a great diving catch. However this only brought Harris to the crease and he signalled his intentions with a couple of crisply struck drives. But his short and sharp 28 came to an end when Wallis clean bowled him. Jaime Waring entered the attack and took a wicket in his 1st over, removing Walters LBW for 0. Wallis piled on the pressure and took 2 more quick wickets removing Leeworthy (21) and Jones (0) with Simon Penn and Steve Rogers both taking sharp catches. Wallis finished with 4 for 20. The run rate then dropped in a big way as Waring (3 for 13) and newcomer Henry Hall (2 for 19) both bowled impeccable line and length and took frequent wickets. Australian Hall was particularly impressive on debut. Bose proved tough in defence and hung around for a fighting 24 runs but could not find a partner as Minch skittled Tormarton for 95 all out in 32 overs.

In reply Minch felt like they had got off to a good start as 10 quick runs came off the bat from openers Alex Waring and Rich Scott. But when Waring chopped on from bowler Spires and Pete Raphael fell quickly after, Minch were wobbling. Spires bowled with aggression and pace and caused problems as the inconsistent bounce was proving tricky. Steve Rogers and another debut man Simon Penn also fell cheaply and when Rich Scott departed Minch were languishing on 31 for 5. Dave Gordon and Henry Hall however dug deep and battled for every run to add 30 vital runs, with Hall looking to have great technique with the bat. Gordon ran hard and was stern in defence. But another inconsistent bounce saw the dismissal of Hall (18), C&B by Spires (5 for 14)and again a mini collapse by Minch. Jaime Waring , Dave Cruickshank and Tom Shearman could only add 6 runs between them and with 25 runs still needed and last man Pete Wallis at the crease, Minch were concerned. But a gritty partnership between Gordon (25 not out) and Wallis (12 not out) scrambled Minch to victory, Wallis hitting the winning runs with a 3 down to long off. A nervy & nail biting finish for the 1st game of the year and a great effort by Tormarton in putting Minch under huge pressure, but great determination by Minch CC to battle hard and ultimately get the win by 1 wicket.