Match Reports - Brockley II vs Felixtowe III - 19 April 2008
Felixstowe 213 for 6
Brockley 111 all out
Our first problem was that, despite their promises, Felixstowe fielded a number of first team players. Our second problem was the captain's dropped catch when the opposition were perilously poised on 71 for 6.
On a day when the towns promenade was frequented only by sea gulls in over coats and the Brockley captain had seven layers of clothing on, the old men in the team were responsible for dropping three important catches; one dropped by debutante John Kearney result in a nasty cut to his hand and a visit to the efficient Felixstowe casualty unit for stitches. The help of Nigel Brame in ferrying John to hospital was much appreciated; it is good to have Nigel around as he always remains positive whatever the dire game situation (he also led an energetic warm up which JR refused to participate in). |
JR back behind the stumps |
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At 3pm it seemed to the captain that the teams' young bowlers had wintered well as their opening spells were very encouraging. James Jones continued with the form of last year taking three early wickets; Liam Grimwood bowled his best ever spell and took his first league wickets; Tom Fenner showed he has a future as a swing bowler and of course Jack Brame slipped effortlessly into length, line and rhythm. Returning for second spells however only Brame and Fenner bowled at anything approaching their best and in an act of desperation the captain threw the ball to Blackledge for the last two overs; this reckless clumsy gamble was always doomed to failure as Blackledge gentle swingers went for 26. Oh how we missed a steady old head to bowl a dozen overs during the final stages of the game and how we all rued the captains crucial dropped catch. The season will be challenging and some of the teams bowlers need to show a little more character when the going gets tough; in future they may not find the captain so sympathetic when after a bad over they ask to come off!
After a seasons break it was good to have old JR back behind the stumps and apart from getting a bit grumpy during the last overs battering he stayed positive and kept wicket with great albeit creaky style..
Blackledge batted long and patiently in one of his better innings although he needs to be more dynamic in rotating the strike and running between the wickets, a number of the team share Mark's reluctance to back up when at the non strikers end. James Jones batted resolutely for 22 but again the most attractive batting of the day was by young Brame [16].
Stopping for an after match drink is important as it generates a closer team spirit and I do hope that on most occasions, injuries permitting, players will linger awhile (even it is just for a short time). We do expect our opponents to support our bar!
Phil Reed |
