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

Report

A great start to the season for the Super 2s claiming the points with a 97-run win over Sidcup at the home of Cricket.

Conditions did not look promising with a damp outfield and showers threatening a shortened game. Without an umpire skipper Paul Bunn, sorry Crowdy, was not even afforded the opportunity of sending us in on a green top. Sidcup obliged and backed up their decision with good spells from their 2 opening bowlers. The top 4 applied themselves well in very testing conditions with movement in the air and off the deck, but Bickley still found themselves precariously placed at 51/5 after 20 overs. Cue a tremendous 97-run partnership from Stafford and Russell which looked match winning at the time and proved to be so. Cashing in on the bad balls but batting throughout at a nice even tempo, Bickley were well placed to kick on and put the game out of sight. Unfortunately that wasn’t to be but the 177 posted (Stafford 63, Russell 43) looked well above par given the slow outfield and helpful pitch.

 

In the field the Super 2s picked up where they left off last year with an excellent performance with ball in hand and well backed up in the ring to the great disappointment of new Finesmaster Stafford. Aimey and Williams bowled superbly through the first 20, with barely a bad ball delivered (Williams 2/13, Aimey 3/21). Sidcup couldn’t handle the pressure and with the dismissal of star Sidcup batsman Calum Nash (250 runs v Bickley last season over 2 games) after more disgusting wipes outside off than seen in a busy nursery changing area, the game was all but done, despite the skipper’s unconvincing claims that it was still all to play for. The 1st change combo of Harriott and Stafford picked up the remaining 5 wickets, easy pickings after the damage done with the new ball and Sidcup subsided to 80 all out. 8/10 wickets were caught behind the wicket with 4 catches for keeper Pym. Sidcup baked! Bring on Gravesend!