Eccles and Mounsey run through Strongroom
Highgate Wood, 5/26/2012
Strongroom lost by 6 wickets
Strongroom: 78
Jesmond Jaguars: 80-4
View the Scorecard
This game was played under a cloudless blue sky, with temperatures in the upper 20s – so it was a real waste of such conditions that it was all done and dusted by around 5pm. Jesmond Jaguars totally dismantled our strong batting line-up for a paltry 78, and then knocked off this meagre target for the loss of just three wickets.
I batted first after winning the toss, but in no time we were 12-4, as a result of our old foe Eccles and Mounsey bowling superb, aggresive lines and constantly running up and bowling ‘at you’. Only David Gower (30*) demonstrated the kind of attritional, Paul Collingwood-esque approach that the situation demanded. Strongroom didn’t play reckless shots, but we could have batted with more determination and resolve. Usually when we experience a collapse a partnership between two batsmen rescues us and at least gets us over 100 – but on this occasion we failed to create a partnership, and we were skittled for one of our very rare sub-100 totals.
Tea was pretty quiet, as we were still reeling from the shock of 78 all out.
I opened up with Mellor and Rahman – our two best bowlers in a batsmen-dominated XI. Both bowled really well – Joe continued his recent fine form, generating a lovely curved trajectory, whereas Mellor hit a perfect Highgate Wood length – in particular ‘trapping’ Mat Chataway at one end for several overs in a fascinating duel. However, Mat played really solidly, and steered the Jags to what was a comfortable victory.
An early conclusion created more time in the Woodman for beer and conversation - and some early plotting for a comeback on our next meeting 5 days later.
Written By: J.Gower
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