Stragglers of Asia v Reeds Choughs 12 July 2015 at Reeds School

Result: Lost by 7 wickets

Match Report:

With a strong side and good pitch this seemed like an obvious match in which to bat first. Having won the toss this is what we set about doing. Ian Salter and Sye Razvi went about their task with focus and determination, getting through a period of skilful fast bowling from the two openers. With both looking well set all looked rosy, however a momentary lapse from Ian missing a straight one brought the old saying that ‘one brings two’ in to play and suddenly the wickets started to fall rather too regularly. Sunny Bowry came in and played some lovely shots reaching 50 in quick fashion and with a long batting line up the Stragglers seemed poised to post a competitive total. However, in truth there were too many loose shots and poor decisions from the team, combined it must be said with some good bowling and sharp fielding from the home side. All this meant the Stragglers were bowled out for 203, a long way short of a par score on a flat wicket with a lightning fast outfield.

Defending a low total the Stragglers bowlers were faced with a tough task but stuck at it. Tom Forsdyke, a guest, bowled with aggression and pace and was rewarded when he uprooted their openers off stump. In hindsight this was a poor move, bringing their number 3 to the crease, someone recently signed to Gloucestershire CCC. He was a classy player scoring freely and not giving any real chances. Reeds scored quickly and despite the best efforts of bowlers and fielders alike it was quickly apparent the result was only heading one way on this occasion. Tom Shrives deserves a mention for picking up 2 well worked wickets but in the end we were well beaten, the earlier batting being the culprit.

As always we were well looked after and I look forward to heading back next year to try and reverse the result.

Team Batting First: Stragglers of Asia

Team Batting Second: Reeds Choughs