Stragglers of Asia vs Cryptics CC Sunday 8 May 2016

Result: Stragglers of Asia won by 33 runs

Report:

22 players arrived by 1110 – perhaps something of a good omen (along with the scorching weather) despite losing the toss and being put in to bat. Joe Cavanagh supported Ian Salter well and that allowed us to get a good start. Joe fell in the 18^th over with 65 on the board. Ian was further assisted by Steve Dexter and Matt Shales with Matt Cavanagh contributing. Ian was bowled for a magnificent 118 but this allowed Matt Shales to rapidly increase the tally with  Chris Brewster and Tom Calder. We declared on 282 fo4 6 a tad before 330pm having received 55 overs. Cryptics had toiled hard in the heat and fielded very well. Jane (Margaret’s successor) gave us a cracking lunch and then we took to the field. Missing a bowler or two perhaps, we opened with Mark Hunt’s graceful left arm and Tom Calder’s variety. Both got us off to a great start with Mark breaking the opening partnership with an excellent caught and bowled. We rattled through the overs before tea and we had them 2 down at that point. Wickets fell regularly, but a number of the Cryptics batsmen got themselves well in and certainly gave us a few scares. With 10 overs remaining (20 from 6pm) the  game was still very much on but Mark’s second spell wrapped up the tail efficiently. Cryptics would have had 56 overs if the final 3 had been bowled. It was a very satisfying win, but I think the manner in which both sides played the game was the real winner – good spirited yet competitive. Further I hope those watching appreciated that declaration cricket has a bright future and the added nuance it gives to the game can make victory a little bit sweeter.

Team Batting First: Stragglers of Asia

Team Batting Second: Cryptics

Umpire: Matthew Stevenson Scorer: Players (Cross, Cavanagh & Dexter)