Well poised match ended by tropical downpour
Toddington Manor, 8/1/2009
Match abandoned [rain]
Strongroom: 190 [J.Gower 49, K.Park 49]
Gardeners: 65-3
View the Scorecard
More frustration for Strongroom on Saturday as there was no result for the fourth time in the past six games. However, we did get some good cricket in. Following a winning formula, skipper Jon Gower selected to bat first risking receiving a battered ball in a one ball game. We were one player down as Rich Woolhouse pulled out before the game, rightly forecasting rain.
After an unconvincing start, both openers Newkirk (4) and Moore (9) going for single figures, Ken Park (49) and the skipper (49) began to settle in and enjoy the beautiful surrounds of Toddington Manor. It was a treat to see our number 3, Ken, demonstrating why he belongs at the top of the order, he looked very comfortable throughout his innings with some nicely timed shots – unfortunately none that were quite as elegant as his pull shot of last week, which if you’re not familiar with perhaps you could ask Ken about. Jon spoiled us again with a plentiful supply of beautifully timed cover drives, which would have had the Lady of the Manor spilling her tea if she had cared to show up. Unfortunately, after doing the hard work they both got out rather cheaply to the cunning spin of Rich Clayton just as they were looking to put the odds firmly in Strongroom’s favour. Dave Gower (17) and Dave Proctor (21*) did well to help us compile a strong total, with the Gower Dave hitting a beautiful 6 over cover. Rahman (10) and Roy (8) also played some very convincing strokes as they continue their quest for The Holy Half-century. It should be noted that there were two diamond ducks (run out without facing a ball) in our innings for Paddy Ell, and sadly our brand new James Hoare who is still keen to prove his ability with bat and ball. Strongroom all out for 190, a solid total but on a very good batting track.
Tea: 10 from 10, starting with a selection of fruit and crisps, the Gardeners then served up a lush array of sandwiches and pies. Cake was also on the menu, and for the first time this year, a hot cup of tea to wash it down.
The ball was in very good nick for The Gardeners innings, if slightly bloated with water, Jon’s gamble had paid off. The Strongroom attack didn’t have the edge that proved so effective last week. There were glimmers of quality as Roy, Ell and Newkirk all picked up wickets early on, but Will Clayton and Elliot were defiant in the last few overs before the deluge began. An almost tropical downpour saw the square flooded in a matter of minutes and talk turned to pub proximities.
On paper we looked to be in control, but the game was far from decided with good batsmen at the crease and still more to come on a pitch that could have seen the run rate ramped up considerably. As it is, we will wait until next week against the never beaten (by us) Caribbean Mix to see if we can get to 10 wins in a row.
Written By: M.Newkirk
|