Bickley Park CC – 2nd XI vs St Lawrence & Highland Court CC – 2nd XI

Report

Sunshine and the return of prodigal son (Dave Firth) welcomed St Lawrence & Highland Court to Bickley Park this Saturday.

Without an umpire (as well as their regular captain and vice captain) Bickley Park were forced to concede the toss. St Lawrence chose to bat.

Bickley Park had chosen to emulate the great West Indian sides of the 80s, and went with a four pronged pace attack. Who better then to open the bowling than Bickley Park’s “own version of Ian Bishop”, Marcus Aimey. Together with Geoff Williams (aka. The Horse Whisperer) they conspired to produce one of the team’s better opening bowling partnerships for this season. Bowling a consistent tight line on off stump they kept runs to a minimum while picking up early wickets. First change saw much of the same. Harry Stafford joined the attack and was brilliant taking 5 for 22 of ten overs. Stafford was also responsible for dislocating the finger of Bickley’s stand in keeper, Parag Patel. {Luckily Dr Alex Cooper was on hand to -bad pun – to relocate it}. Firth took over the gloves and was flawless in a show of true all-ground cricketing skill.

The fact that 3 of Bickley’s bowlers each bowled their 10 overs for less than 25 runs is a testament to their quality. They were ably supported by Andrew Harriot; who’s 3-20 of 7 overs was full of swing, guile and middle-aged aggression.

Maxine Blythin played a an innings of true quality and patience for St Lawrence. She was ultimately trapped LBW for 64 to complete their innings. St Lawrence all out for 121 in the 42nd over.

Low scores have historically been “totals of confusion” for the Bickley Park batting line up. Run chases have often been fraught with drama and indecision. Batsmen often caught between caution and aggression. However on this day, common sense (and a little bit of skill) saw the team overcome the modest total in 26th over. Harry Stafford showing is true all-round ability with a fine, unbeaten innings of 27 not out. He was supported by the irrepressible Dave Firth (21) aa the pair essentially guided Bickley Park to a (relatively) comfortable 4 wicket victory. Coupled with his outstanding bowling display and composed innings; Harry Stafford was, without doubt, the man-of-the-match.