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

Report

Despite fielding a much-changed side from the previous week (the skipper for example absent due to some insignificant footie match) this result really was a tough one to take.

Putting 319 on the board batting first away from home put us in decent shape at the halfway mark and gave us hope that we could reverse the loss from the previous week.

Key contributors were the Director of Cricket and Parag, both of whom batted beautifully and racked up scores of 95 and 90, respectively. Why no tons though lads?  Others got in but unfortunately didn’t capitalise, while a couple of Whitstable youngsters impressed greatly with their accurate spin bowling.

Despite the healthy total, we weren’t over-confident and knew we had to bowl tightly to defend this on a smallish ground and fast outfield.  As skipper Pym reminded us at tea, we probably left “20-30 runs out there” and should have got to 350 at least.

Our confidence levels proceeded to take quite a hit as we had to deal with a quite brutal onslaught from one of their batsmen.  I’m not sure his onlooking brother Joe would have played any better but it was Sam Denly who took a liking to our bowling and gave our hosts a terrific start with 60 on the board in next to no time.

We managed to snare a wicket but it was a mere respite.  Their 2nd wicket partnership went on to amass over 200 runs to put them well and truly back in the driving seat.  Although we grabbed a couple more wickets and took them to the last over, some lusty hitting got them over the line while entertaining the crowd in the evening sunshine.

Apart from Mick and Parag’s excellent batting, Marcus took top bowling honours with a terrific opening spell while Tom Franks-Moore, Chris Eaton and Charlie Smith applied themselves well and will undoubtedly all benefit from the experience at this level.

Huge thanks to Bill (Marsden) for making the journey to stand as umpire for what turned out to be a long day, as well as to our Lady President for keeping score so accurately.  Note to the oppo –make sure you look after the officials throughout the day.  They are all priceless commodities!

Roll on next week when we hope to get back to winning ways at the Field of Dreams