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

Report

This was a disappointing performance under the hottest conditions of the year, as Bickley’s make shift 2^nd XI  resolve melted under the sun and pressure from the visitors, Folkestone CC.

An uncontested toss saw Crowdy do what every captain would and elected to bat, allowing the heat to take its toll on those in the field. At least that was the plan…

156 runs later, we were having tea.  A promising 70 run opening partnership between Parag and James Monaghan was abruptly ended when the Folkestone 1^st change bowler decided to bowl spin, rather then the seam of his first three overs, and castled P-man straight away. 

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals and with Gordon Darroch and Simon Melaniphy both picking up a bat for the first tine this year, the frailties of the top order were exposed. Mono’s 41 topped the scoring, and with 21 from Ramsey, and an impressive 23* from debutant Marcus Day we finished 7 down.

It was alway going to be a hard total to defend, but the Folkestone openers had clearly decided that the best approach was to attack from the outset.  Geoff and Jack opened the bowling, and anything that looked like it could be hit… was hit. 

Jack made the initial breakthrough yorking the number 2, and soon cleaned up the number three, but at the other end a T20 innings was being played. Russell replaced Williams and was treated no less kindly, although he did claim the valuable third wicket  (and only our 2nd point of the day) curtesy of a slip catch from Gordon (you never lose it mate).

The final word must go to the unbeaten Malik – yes we dropped him three times (twice in 2 balls wasn’t our greatest moment) but even then, the damage was done. To score 105* out of 160 and to wrap up the game in 22 overs precisely was  a great effort and a brutal knock.  We only have ourselves to blame, but credit where credit is due…. he kept hitting what we bowled at him!

Next week is Bromley, and we need to remember to keep cool in all senses of the word, and apply ourselves.  We know we will need to as they currently top the table.