Grayswood travelled to Dogmersfield for an early season encounter, and were once again left to rue missed opportunities, as shoddy fielding dashed any hopes they had of stealing points off their old rivals.
Electing to bowl, Grayswood were hoping to improve on last week’s lacklustre fielding display, but these hopes were dashed early on as the dangerous Illyas was dropped at first slip by Handley, only three balls into the innings. Nash remained undeterred however and fashioned another, difficult chance, as Banjo couldn’t hold onto a clipped shot to square leg, this time from the flamboyant Nabel. Mr July sought revenge and his unpredictable bowling action was causing trouble. Continuing his stroke play, Nabel hit a high one to long on Handley who was always struggling under the blistering wind, and once again could not hold on to provide a much needed boost to this discouraged Grayswood outfit.
Looking for inspiration, skipper Gloak turned to newly found off spinner Al green who struck Swann like in his first over to dismiss Nabel for 65. This break through enabled the wood to seize the initiative after drinks, and “The Camel” bowled with swing and accuracy to dismiss both Illyas (Caught J. Green) and Suliman in quick succession. These two operated well in tandem as Dogmersfield looked to propel their innings. The opposition were assisted in this however by some shambolic fielding, off youngster Green in particular. Openers Gloak and Nash returned for second spells and were rewarded as the batsmen threw caution to the wind. H. Nash was particularly relieved to see a catch finally taken off his bowling, and must have been wondering what he had done to deserve 4 dropped catches off his bowling already this season. Gloak finished with a couple of wickets as Dogmersfield declared after 45 overs with 197 on the board.
Dogmersfield once again started the better of the two sides as Grayswood fortuitously saw both openers dropped early on. The difference to their counterparts however was that they were unable to capitalise, as Hussein’s in swinging deliveries wreaked havoc amongst the Grayswood top order. Evidence of this would be the abysmal scorecard in which only 1 of the top 7 amassed a double figure score. There was a brief revival from Handley, who was desperate to make up for his earlier mistakes, and Jackson, but they were unable to prevent the seemingly inevitable victory for the home side. After this partnership was broken the end was neigh, as both Greens swiftly departed to allow Dogmersfield all 10 points.
All in all, Dogmersfield deserved their victory on a ground that has haunted Grayswood in recent years. There is no rest for the wicked however, as the disheartened wood must travel to Frensham next week to try and get their season back on track, a fixture that saw 578 runs and 13 wickets last year. Not much to live up to then.
Donkey of the Day: Dave Handley
Man of the Match: Ian Jackson (2 for 24 and 10)
