Bickley Park CC – 2nd XI vs Sidcup CC – 2nd XI

Report

A welcome return ‘the home of cricket’ saw BPCC take on Sidcup for the first time in over 10 years of league cricket! Given last week’s run fest – the skipper Crowdy was fairly unmoved at losing the toss and being put in (even with 7 changes to the side – including ex-chairman of cricket @Sidcup – Duncan Wheeler being in BPCC colours – again!). Crowdy and Stafford were sent out to get us off to a flier but PC’s decent starting form left him – as did the ball he nicked. Stafford looking dogged in defence – Patel joined him at the crease. That did not last very long given a dubious decision – with Patel being given LBW to one that left a cheery on the toe of his BAT – NOT FOOT! Stafford was joined by in the inform Pym and they proceeded to rebuild and accelerate nicely. 14-2 was now 140-2! Harry and Mike were looking to accelerate – and perhaps Harry went early but a well-built 54 was a good reward for some faith from the skipper in persevering with his opening slot! 140-3 went to 166-5-4 as we lost both settled batsmen – HOW MANY MORE TIMES! Harriot looking menacing with some glorious shots – succumbed to a straight ball he tried to cut! BPCC left 168-8 – with 5 overs to spare! Enter Williams – BOOOOM tail ender runs finally and we got to 193 AO from our 49.2 overs! Perhaps 2-30 shy of a par score – with ourselves to blame!

After another decent tea from Hazel (minus a dressing down from the skipper for throwing some wickets away – how the tables have turned PC!!) – we started like a bullet train! O’Sullivan (16 years old) – claiming a wicket with the first ball of the innings! A few drop catches later (deadly sin – given a below par score) – the oppo were 33-3 and all claimed by the young O’Sullivan. Followed by more dropped catches (including a dolly by the writer – note to self – remember sunglasses or stand back) and the oppo were 119-4 – with bags of time to complete a run chase thanks to Nash. Top spell from O’Sullivan claiming the top 4 scalps! 119-4 became 160-6 and the prized wicket of the deadly Nash (96).The Bickley fightback was on – the intensity was lifted and Sidcup went from 160-6 to 174-9 thanks to good bowling from Stafford and Harriot! Cue some nail biting from the skipper – he brought on the old pro Ramsey to mop up the tail – Cue another tight win and a gritty performance with lots of people putting their hands up when needed. Skippers request can we be a bit more clinical so he doesn’t have to go through…erm nails! Up to 3rd and moving forward!