Match Report vs North
Harrow (Tour Game) 11 September 2016 @ Almondsbury
(Skipper and report Shagger)
After an eventful previous 2 days on tour and the match
vs Purley-on-Thames being rained off the previous day, the
Cazh dragged themselves over to Almondsbury from Reading for
a midday start against another touring side North Harrow.
The pitch looked nice, though there was a short boundary on
the one side and originally a massive boundary on the other
– fortunately, the Cazh decided to bring this in about
30 meters! The sun was shining and the 2 captains decided
that the Cazh would bowl first. Dan and Jeff opened the attack
and started solidly going for just 16 off the first 5 overs.
The batsman looked assured and not really in any trouble and
probably could have run a few more singles. Jeff bowled out
his 8 over spell and was unlucky not to get a wicket –
a theme of the Casuals fielding was the number of dropped
catches – Jeff was a victim of a couple of drops off
his spell. Dan was replaced after 4 overs by Dave, he was
not able to exact the same spin he had previously in the season
and the consistent bounce allowed the batsman to hit through
the line and score well. After 10 overs the score was 39,
but after 15 it was 72, still with no loss.
Pete replaced Jeff and took the first wicket in the 18th
over – the Cazh finally holding onto a catch –
Shakey. Pete took the second wicket this time caught by Richie
on the boundary. Shakey replaced Dave, but the number 3 continued
to smash the ball round the park until he retired on 55. After
25 overs the score was on 146. Shakey was the person to pick
up the next wicket – caught by Jesus – who had
agreed to come over to Bristol for a game even though he’d
managed to avoid the boozy tour. Jesus assisted in the next
wicket – stumped off the bowling of Shakey once again.
Dan returned for the remainder of his spell, and got a wicket
caught by Richie on the long on boundary – the ball
reached him fast there he was expecting – but held onto
a good catch. Steveo, Richie and Cheese bowled the last 8
overs – Steveo and Richie both picking up a wicket a
piece – Steveo catching Richie’s wicket and Rob
taking Steveo’s. North Harrow finished on 256-7 off
40 overs.
Dan 8 overs -0 maidens – 27 runs – 1 wicket
Jeff 8-0-39-0
Dave 8-0-56-0
Pete 4-0-33-2
Shakey 4-0-37-2
Steveo 2-0-13-1
Cheese 4-0-23-0
Richie 2-0-18-1
It was going to be a strong ask to reach this total, but
we’d give it a go. Tea was taken – and was fantastic
– hot curry/stew – more than we could consume
(which is unheard of).
Tesh and Rob opened the batting and started steadily against
good bowling. After 8 overs the score had moved on to 29,
but the first wicket fell in the 8th – Tesh bowled for
15. Jesus in next and there was a wave of expectation (and
hope) in the air. Will started with 6 dots and then a maximum.
Followed by four dots and a boundary, a dot and a single,
but unfortunately another dot and wicket – given out
lbw. 55-2. Richie and Rob continued to build the innings and
were batting well. Rob fell next caught in the deep. Steveo
joined Richie. The pair put on a 70 run partnership with some
unorthodox shots and some that looked vaguely familiar! The
one point of note within the partnership was the first time
Steveo was out...given out caught a bowled. From the side
lines (a long way off) it all appeared odd..he’d hit
it, he was caught, he was given out. He began to walk, then
turned and returned, appeared to be speaking to the umpire
and bowler..then returned to the crease and re-started his
batting routine. It was decided after a conversation that
it was a bump ball. I think the oppo realised that we weren’t
going to get close to the total and the game throughout had
been played in excellent fashion and mood, plus they had seen
Steveo batting for quite a while now and probably realised
that he could be out at any given moment!
It was actually Richie that was out next – 25 in the
29th over. Steveo fell in the next over for 35. This brought
Cheese and Pete to the crease with a 120 required off 10 overs.
Pete scored a couple of fours before being bowled in the 33rd
over. Cheese meanwhile was back to form with his Cheese slice
and enthusiastic running. Dan replaced Pete and went onto
the attack straight away with a 4 and 6. With Dan and Ed scoring
mainly in boundaries, the oppo skipper decided to put a halt
to the quick scoring and brought on one of their better bowlers
who had been left in reserve for this sort of situation. Dan
was bowled first ball faced. Ed meanwhile smashed a massive
6 into the tennis courts before also being caught out. 197-8
with a couple of overs to go. This brought Shakey and Jeff
to the crease to see us over the 200, which they did (the
quick accurate bowler had finished his 2 over spell after
doing his job. Both players took the total up to a very respectable
215, leaving Dave not required.
A very good game, played in fantastic spirit at a lovely ground.
It was a long day, which helped remove some of the alcohol
in the system and recover from the hangover. A couple of drinks
were had after the match before the small drive home (for
the Cazh) and the rather longer drive home for North Harrow.
Tesh – 15 bowled
Rob – 33 caught
Jesus - 11 lbw
Richie – 25 stumped
Steveo –35 caught
Ed – 31 caught
Pete – 9 bowled
Dan – 12 bowled
Shakey – 13 no
Jeff – 9no
Dave DNB
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