Grayswood had a strong line up for the visit of Harting and were looking for an early season boost to their title aspirations. After winning the toss however, “the wood” were left to rue missed opportunities, as an uncharacteristically lacklustre fielding display let Harting amass 176 off their allotted 48 overs.
Reliable slip fielder Tucker failed to cling on to an edge in the 3rd over after good work from opener Nash. Grayswood were undeterred however, and soon fashioned another opportunity. Unfortunately for them it was that man tucker again who made a new best friend by snapping at his second chance. Hale continued to frustrate, and was fortunate on numerous occasions for edges or mistimed shots to fall inches short of the disheartened fielders. Norris on the other hand, proved to be a classy stroke maker, with cover drives straight out of the training manual.
It took until there were 103 runs on the board, to finally dislodge the opening pair as Norris, having just celebrated reaching 50, edged to Tucker who took a smart diving catch down to his left off Al Green. This did however, serve to solidify his position as donkey of the day as, in finally catching the ball, he injured himself and would prove to be unable to bat in his preferred slot of number 3. The only positive to be taken from this injury was the humorous fielding he now had to conduct with his left hand. Grayswood plugged away as Harting attempted to propel their innings but after Gloak senior finally dislodged Hale the runs dried up, and wickets fell quickly as Conway and Nash got in on the act. Excellent death bowling in the last few overs from straight bowler Gloak and Nash enabled Grayswood to keep Harting at a total that should be within reach of their strong batting line up.
It took until there were 103 runs on the board, to finally dislodge the opening pair as Norris, having just celebrated reaching 50, edged to Tucker who took a smart diving catch down to his left off Al Green. This did however, serve to solidify his position as donkey of the day as, in finally catching the ball, he injured himself and would prove to be unable to bat in his preferred slot of number 3. The only positive to be taken from this injury was the humorous fielding he now had to conduct with his left hand. Grayswood plugged away as Harting attempted to propel their innings but after Gloak senior finally dislodged Hale the runs dried up, and wickets fell quickly as Conway and Nash got in on the act. Excellent death bowling in the last few overs from straight bowler Gloak and Nash enabled Grayswood to keep Harting at a total that should be within reach of their strong batting line up.
Grayswood required a rate of just over 4 runs an over and T.Nash, ably supported by Soper provided a solid start to the chase. Fielder was bowling with some pace and bounce but his misdirection cost him dear. Nash dispatched a short wide one to the boundary with an imperious cut that landed him shot of the day. Soper did get in on the act however and came a close second with what can only be described as a “no look hook” (coined by H. Nash) into the Grayswood tree. Having amassed 53 runs, “the Wood” were cruising until Deakin, who had bowled with guile for no reward had Soper caught at mid off. This proved to be a pivotal time to take a wicket as Gloak Junior played down the wrong line of one and Nash flayed a full toss towards the pavilion only to see it snaffled impressively by the waiting fielder. This sparked the traditional mini collapse of the middle order as young Bates bowled with accuracy beyond his years to dismiss H.Nash (8) and J.Green (O) in quick succession.
Grayswood had slumped from 52 for 0 to 85 for 5 in no time at all and found themselves in the unenviable position of needing runs in a timely fashion without the loss of more wickets. Skipper Gloak and Ian “the Camel” Jackson set about rebuilding the innings with some flamboyant stroke play backed up by a strong rearguard. As Grayswood were seemingly getting back in the groove however, the Camel’s Cameo innings of 21 was brought to an end when he nonchalantly chipped into the grateful hands of mid on. Kent (0) swiftly departed and with the winning draw in sight Jonjo “Banjo” Conway made his way to the crease. Mr July helped the skippers’ aggressive batting with quick running between the wickets but was unfortunate to middle a chip shot down to mid off. The crowd were growing anxious as the winning draw had been attained and the banjo’s departure left Grayswood requiring an unlikely 20 runs to get off 2 overs with only 2 wickets left. The tension grew more still as A. Green was stumped sharply by Norris to give Harting a glimmer of hope. Tucker, tacking one for the team and struggling to hold the bat aloft, was called upon to face out the rest of the over without fuss. All that remained then was for the skipper to see his side hold out for the 4 points in the winning draw. Fielder, with 3 wickets to his name was given the ball and the young man again chose the back of a length aim it at his head tactic. Bizarrely, this almost worked as Gloak (45 N.O) flapped at a short one only to see the ball land safely between fielders, as a grateful groan echoed around the ground.
Grayswood had slumped from 52 for 0 to 85 for 5 in no time at all and found themselves in the unenviable position of needing runs in a timely fashion without the loss of more wickets. Skipper Gloak and Ian “the Camel” Jackson set about rebuilding the innings with some flamboyant stroke play backed up by a strong rearguard. As Grayswood were seemingly getting back in the groove however, the Camel’s Cameo innings of 21 was brought to an end when he nonchalantly chipped into the grateful hands of mid on. Kent (0) swiftly departed and with the winning draw in sight Jonjo “Banjo” Conway made his way to the crease. Mr July helped the skippers’ aggressive batting with quick running between the wickets but was unfortunate to middle a chip shot down to mid off. The crowd were growing anxious as the winning draw had been attained and the banjo’s departure left Grayswood requiring an unlikely 20 runs to get off 2 overs with only 2 wickets left. The tension grew more still as A. Green was stumped sharply by Norris to give Harting a glimmer of hope. Tucker, tacking one for the team and struggling to hold the bat aloft, was called upon to face out the rest of the over without fuss. All that remained then was for the skipper to see his side hold out for the 4 points in the winning draw. Fielder, with 3 wickets to his name was given the ball and the young man again chose the back of a length aim it at his head tactic. Bizarrely, this almost worked as Gloak (45 N.O) flapped at a short one only to see the ball land safely between fielders, as a grateful groan echoed around the ground.
The final result then, a disappointing winning draw from a Grayswood side expectant of much more, and their fielding will need to be much improved to stand any chance against their old rivals Dogmersfield next week.
Donkey of the day: Alex Tucker.
Man of the Match: Andy Gloak (3 for 29 and 45 not out)
