Match report v Banks CC

After the excitement of a narrow victory confidence and expectations were high leading in to our 2nd game. After an hour delay due to overnight rain we finally got underway, hoping to make use of the bowler friendly conditions. Another solid bowling performance against a much stronger outfit saw our opponents restricted to a realistically achievable total of 155 from their 30 overs. Freeman and Young once again bowled tightly with the new ball. However, neither were rewarded with the wickets they deserved. The lack of early wickets brought about the introduction of Krebich who once again bowled with excellent control and restricted batters to singles. Match 1 star Harry Howarth was unable to have the same impact on the game but still returned respectable figures. Our own version of Shane Warne (Max Stephens) picked up the wicket of the dangerous looking Harry before the innings closed without any real damage being inflicted. 13 wides and some sloppy work in the field meant we were chasing 30 more than we should have been but on a good pitch we had every reason to be optimistic.

In a change at the top of the order Oli Young joined Dias against a much more potent attack. Unfortunately Dias fell early, cleaned bowled by the pacey Lee. Young and Thomas tried to rebuild the innings but unfortunately both fell at key times. Prakash played some lovely shots in a well made 16 before his stay was ended by a rather dubious lbw decision (off the glove!). Sadly this signaled the end of our challenge as wickets fell far too easily as a result of some inpatient and sloppy shot selection. The last wicket fell with the score being only 61, resulting in a crushing 95 run defeat. Sadly batting appears to be an area which requires close attention or maybe just a little more patience and willingness to work for runs. However, wherever there is another day there is another chance and with 3 games in 3 days the boys will have every chance to put right some of the wrongs and build on some promising bowling displays.

AGB