Telling Tails: Sunday vs Chalke Valley
Chalke Valley was worth the drive! What a stunning ground, with views for days. I, for one, will not forget having the opportunity to play at that stunning ground and experience their very homely pavilion full of cricket artworks and memorabilia.
After a quick fire start from their opening father-and-son pair, Uncle Boom Boom Al got into the swing of things and begun to trap the batsmen at their crease. A HUGE boundary, slight slope and fast outfield ensured that we had to be on our game in the field, especially as the bounce was extremely variable. But we muscled in, bodies on the line and everyone got behind the ball frequently to reduce the run rate as much as possible.
From the other end Jeremy did everything possible to pin down Chalke Valley's openers, and tried desperately to make the breakthrough with no joy. Nevertheless a solid outing that deserved a wicket or two. Meanwhile Al really hit his stride and finished strong with a wicket maiden and a catch from Sean who showed exactly the technique he wants us to have when hes serving us up opportunities on his bowling. Solid take Sean!
As Harry arrived at the popping crease, we sensed the need to slow things down and he delivered. A super tight spell, seeing off a middle order threat and keeping us in the mix.
Paired up with Harry, the Wall delivered a very fast and dangerous spell. 7 overs of chances and opportunities being created, regularly beating the bat, and mixed in with some tough catching opportunities... but opportunities nonetheless. The most frustrating of which was my drop to a rising bullet, which still managed to ping out of my hands, despite my best efforts to soften the blow... only for the batsman, then on single figures to go on and make 39 before retiring. Ouch. Sorry lads.
Warwick did pick up a beautiful wicket, sending the bails flying as the visitors arrived at 122/3 after 20 overs.
With 15 overs left, we wanted to hold things tight and did what we could. Some long chases in the field, half chance catches and plenty of 'ohufff' moments. Our fielding was quick too, with fast pick ups, strong throws and many 'nearly' run outs. The most successful moment though was running out a batsman, fresh at the crease who was yet to face a ball... a duck almost as bad as Sean's season opener.
Chalke Valley finished their 35 overs on 221/4.
A beautiful tea in front of a gorgeous view, what more could we ask for? Oh yeah... the win! We get off to a steady start, with Warwick and Alex holding off their opening pair. We struggled to get the ball away though as the home advantage clearly kicked in. Some deadly accurate stuff trapped us at the crease... although we did capitalise on the few stray balls.
As Harry arrived at the crease, those on the sidelines had high hopes of us kicking on quickly and catching up the the required run rate... and fresh off a 40* in 14 balls during a midweek game (for another team), Harry was ready to tee off. Unfortunately their solid bowling continued and Harry did make a wonderful initial contribution of 53 not out and capitalising on everything he could, but even his shot-making ability was slowed by Chalke Valley's equal bowling success.
With Paddy and Chris sadly sharing ducks, our batting options to catch up that required run rate started to look thin... especially when Laurence who was looking in good shape and striking boundaries succumbed to the decreasing bounce on the wicket as one slid awkwardly under his bat.
I should have held faith though as Jeremy, fresh off another bowling masterclass, hit consistent boundaries, including an incredible 11 4s. Better yet, Chalke Valley will be fondly remembered as the ground upon which Jeremy smashed his first ever 50*. A very fine knock indeed.
With 20 overs down we were 74/5 and required 148 to win off the last 15 overs. We had to more than double our run rate to have a chance. Jeremy and I put on a solid rate to add around 60 to the total in 8 overs... not a bad 6th wicket partnership.
Malcolm joined Sean at the party and danced down the wicket, Al batted in the most confusing of circumstances with Jeremy as his runner and Sean finished off his partnership with Harry who returned as they smashed 20 off the final over... including his third 6 of the day on the final ball to end on 68 not out... incredible... but not enough for man of the match with Jeremy taking the honours in another wonderful display.
We feel short at 184/7, but had a blast trying against a very good bowling attack from Chalke Valley. Wonderful hosts in a wonderful setting.
Despite not bringing home the win, we won't forget this one quickly.
Next weekend it's Bedwyn... get your names down, lets come back strong!
Go well. Cheers.
