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

Report

BPCC 2^nd 11 secured their first win since the end of June with a much needed 18 points against struggling Whitstable to ease any relegation fears.

Put into bat, Bickley started poorly, losing 3 quick wickets to find themselves at 53-3. However an excellent partnership by Holcombe (58) and Russell (27) lifted the score to 140-5, before some late fireworks from Ramsey (58*) moved the score along to a more than respectable 221-7 on a reasonable pitch offering some turn and seam movement. Ramsey in particular led the way, taking a bit of time to get himself in before exploding in the final few overs.

In response, Whistable started well, with both openers playing some expansive shots to keep them well ahead of the required rate. Excellent spells, however, from Russell (2-44), Chewitt (2-29) and Horner (2-45) dragged things back in Bickley’s favour, with Stafford mopping up the tail (3-34) to secure an important win. Special mention to Firth behind the stumps, 5 dismissals with zero byes; an outstanding effort from a part-time keeper.

Far from a vintage display, but a win and something to build on for the back-end of the season.

Thanks to Chopper for standing in as umpire and donating his fee back to the boys for a victory jug after the game. Another win next week against Dartford and we can start looking up the table rather than down it!