Sladeys field day
I’ll update this report once I have sight of the scorecard.
We picked up the full24 points in a low scoring game at Blossomfield this afternoon. Rule changes this year mean that the side batting second can get 24 if the losing side choose to bat. The Blossomfield captain did this on the basis that the pitch was going to be very bowler friendly and would get worse. So it proved.
Steve Gardner and Andy Moore opened and kept the scoring down to a painfully slow rate. Steve got the first wicket then Andy had Altaf caught behind after bowling three consecutive maidens to him. After 8 overs Steve came off to be replaced by Dave Slade. Bowling slowly and then reducing his pace, but with impeccable control of length, Dave proceeded to run through the middle order with a spell of 11-6-12-5. His first wicket was a catch by Pro at long on with one umpire calling “he’s dropped it” with the ball in the air! Really none of the Solihull players had any idea how to play him. Only S Khan (35) offered any resistance at all and once Dave had him caught and bowled it was practically a wicket an over. Shaun cleared up the last two and Solihull finished on 71 in 37 overs.
Blossomfield is a nice ground and they are a decent bunch, but they won’t be winning any prizes for teas this year. Cake needs to be made compulsory, and what happened to the bread and jam that was a staple in my playing days? Something new for me today was being in contact with the umpire by walkie talkie. This allowed me to confirm catchers and to keep in contact with all the police activity in the area. It’s a good idea though.
72 to win should have been a breeze but 2-2 after two overs wasn’t in the plan at all. Dan Smith might have hit the delivery that trapped him lbw fifth ball and Pro went caught behind. Aaron Blackmore (19) could easily have gone early to a leading edge but batted positively while Chris Hill (14) took the anchor role. The pair put together the biggest partnership of the game then Tom Nightingale (19) saw us home.
The seconds chased down 211 with Michael Gales making 90. It would be good to have a report. Any takers can e-mail to me at geoffmoore123@aol.com
The thirds completed a hat trick for the club with a storming win at Oakfield. It is really pleasing to see some of our young players coming doing well and there has to be a special mention for Kyle Taylor who played an openers innings of 34 from 38 overs. He has been out swishing in a couple of junior games lately and this is a big step forward for a really promising youngster. Ryan Cowley, also prone to big shots at good balls, made an excellent 29 and Harry Tregonning took 2-8. Just a shame they were two players short. Let’s get out and support Duncan Moores team!