Grayswood finally welcomed their first win of the season with open arms, thanks to a sensational partnership of 197 between Soper and Tucker. The picturesque setting of Tilford in glorious sunshine prompted many sun seekers to witness probably the highest partnership of Grayswoods illustrious history.
As is normal these days, things did not get off to a strong start for Grayswood as they began with 10 men. The lightning outfield and occasional four balls allowed Tilford to gain a head of steam up before too long. Broughton was introduced before early, and went some way toward decreasing the run rate, but the breakthrough did not come until A. Gloak Jnr arrived on the scene. He arrived late after an early morning exam (on a Saturday!) but firstball had Nesbitt caught in short by A.Green. Capable opener Town-Jones was bowled shortly after and this seemed to instigate a middle period of the game whereby wickets would fall regularly, and runs would amble at 3-4 runs an over.
James O’Brien made a steady 19 before clever fielding positioning led to him top edging back into the grateful hands of young Broughton. Robert Rist had earned a call up to the 1’s due to a mixture of missing players and good recent performances, and made the most of his opportunity. He bowled slightly back of a length whilst the batsmen were becoming increasingly aware of the need for runs and proved to be difficult to get away, even to the short leg side boundary. He deservedly picked up 2 wickets, but not before Broughton had dismissed the dangerous looking Walker. Having been hit for a glorious straight six the ball before, Broughton threw in the wrong un which did for Walker and ensured Tilford did not get too large a total.
Tight finishing from Rist and I.Jackson kept them below the 200 mark after 48 overs, a total Grayswood were confident of getting on a solid batting track, providing they kept wickets in hand.
The reply did not however, get off to the best of starts when C.Kent was caught in Gully for a 1st baller. The first few overs were very much a backs to the wall job, as Town-Jones and Martyn extradited uneven bounce with the new ball. Skipper for the week tucker, decided the best form of defence was attack as he unleashed flamboyant strokes on both sides of the wicket. He was ably assisted by the dogged Soper at the other end, who was determined not to give his wicket away at any cost.
Whilst Soper dug in nudging and nurdling the singles, Tucker could not contain himself and dispatched all bowlers around the ground. His blistering 114* came off of just 90 deliveries, and included 12 fours and 6 sixes. The rest of the team were not needed as the two led the team home with probably the highest partnership of any wicket in Grayswoods history as Soper emerged with a chanceless 69*.
Grayswoods season may well have taken a turn for the better then, and if Tucker can remain in form, they will fancy their chances against any team in this division. Grayswood will hope this is the much needed win that will enable them to propel up the table and to a position more representative of this talented outfit.
Man of the Match: Alex Tucker: 114* with 12 fours and 6 sixes
Donkey of the day: Callum Kent: Golden duck and only wicket to fall
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