Stragglers of Asia v Grannies CC – 17 May 2015 at Ascott Park, Wing

Match Report

Result: Won by 5 wickets.

For many on the team sheet, this was the first game of the season and what a fine day it was to be playing at Ascott Park. Well aware of the destruction that Hornsby did to our bowling attack last season and with a fairly strong batting line up, Russell decided it was wise to stick The Grannies in to bat having won the toss.

The Stragglers opened up with Mark Hunt and new player Duncan Bradshaw. Hunt bowled very good lines and some probing off cutters from one end, this was a real treat to watch and a good contest prevailed between him and Hornsby. Hunt, having played in the fixture last year was well aware of this prize wicket and the need to bowl a good length in order to not allow Horsnby to cut and pull, which was a particularly strong area for him. Some great pressure was built from both ends and Bradshaw on debut for the club, was making good use of the seam and hitting the deck well. It was a matter of time until Hornsby had to try and cut loose and it was a top edge to Yule that ended the first wicket partnership and The Stragglers had their prize wicket.

Williams and Chidber applied themselves well for the 3rd wicket partnership with the former scoring an accomplished 86. This was the mainstay for The Grannies and with the shine wearing off the new ball, they made good use of the conditions. As is often the case, the decision to bring on Bill Kincaid proved to be a wise one, and he delivered a leg break that brought Chidber forward and defeated him all ends up. Shortly afterwards, Williams miss timed a drive from Beegan and was caught well in the covers by Harmsworth. From that point onwards, The Grannies struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking and with only 9 on the teamsheet, they declared on 223 for what they thought would be plenty on a slow and low wicket.

Salter and Beegan got the Stragglers off to a good start, with Salter playing some exquisite   strokes through the covers and displaying some clean hitting and taking every opportunity to hit the bad balls to the boundary. Beegan fell to a ball that squeezed through the gate from Gibbs and it was clear that he was the man to see out from one end. All eyes were now on Bradshaw on debut and with a few overs to adjust, he was starting to get used hitting a cricket ball after a few years out of the game. Bradshaw displayed some serious class latching on to any half volleys and short balls given to him. A fine 135 not out on debut which included ten 6’s and twelve 4’s. The middle order fell around him, however he offered nothing in the way of chances and saw the side home with a further 11 overs left in the day. A great knock and a display of his ability. Having lost the game last year, this was a fine win for the club and the first of the season.

Innings of Grannies CC

SoA Bowling

Innings of Stragglers of Asia CC

Grannies Bowling