Lord Toads X1
13th May Home v. Lord Toads X1 CB148-6 Lord T’s 149-3 Lost by 7 wkts
What’s all this about a drought then? Dry winter, warm and sunny March, and then what happens, rain of biblical proportions ever since. First two matches of the season cancelled due to the weather, and one nameless member with a half started Arc in his back garden.
Now with the previous two days dry and sunny, the team gathered at Shutts Lane, straining at the leash.
Our old aristocratic friends from the Ringwood area were also rearing to go for their first match of the season.
With a home side, that on paper looked to be a little weaker than usual, skipper Vaughan on winning the toss, surprisingly decided to take first knock.
Vaughan and the bearded Shaw saw the innings off to a steady start, until the last named fell to a smart catch at slip by Jones, from the bowling of the accurate Williams (3-11) Henderson quickly followed to another super slip catch by Pearson from the same bowler.
An almighty mix up, yes no wait sorry, saw the hapless skipper on his way, run out for a useful 27.
The home side were reeling at 54-5, when the young Max Bird marched to the crease to join John Burton who was stroking the ball with authority. Maxie dug in and defended his wicket as if his life depended upon it, and the pair put on a further valuable 37 before Max fell to a well held caught and bowled by Jones. Veteran Paul Hodgkinson returned after missing last season through injury, to record his 497th game for CBCC, joined JB to add a further 57 to the total at tea. JB finished with an effortless 71* for a total of 148-6
A grand tea kindly prepared and donated by the charming and fragrant Bernie Hodgkinson and Debbie xxxxxxxx was soon wolfed down by a hungry mixture of players, wives and kids. Lovely fruit cake and sponge. It was good to see so many people enjoying themselves. Even some doggie bags were provided!
Brockway and Pearson took up the challenge against the opening attack of Father and Son Burton. Brockway soon fell trapped in front by John Burton. Perhaps with the benefit of modern technology and a replay, he may have been a tad unlucky. However this bought the hard hitting Ledbetter to the crease, who stroked the ball to all parts to a match winning unbeaten 86. Allowing our visitors to cruise to a well-deserved victory in only 25 overs.
Coombe Bissett Lord ToadsX1
D.R.Shaw ct Jones b Williams 3 M.Brockway lbw b. Burton.J. 13
G.E.Vaughan run out 27 C.Pearson ct Burton J. b Rolfe 18
A.Henderson ct Pearson b Williams 4 S.Ledbetter not out 86
T.J.Rolfe b Williams 0 A.Jones ct Vaughan b Burton.J. 16
J.Burton not out 71 G.Williams not out 4
M.J.Burton b Brockway 0 A.Britt
M.D.D.Bird ct & b b Jones 8 A.Doe
P.J.Hodgkinson not out 12 A.Dunn
D.J.Smith D.Butcher
N.D.Smith B.Corlett
M.Taylor A.N.Other
extras 23 extras 23
148 149
for 6 for 3
Williams 7-2-11-3 Butcher 6-0-36-0 Burton.M. 5-0-28-0 Burton,J. 6-0-28-2
Brockway 7-0-23-1 Doe 7-0-31-0 Rolfe 4-0-37-1 Henderson 5-0-22-0
Jones 5-1-16-1 Pearson 3-0-30-0 Bird 5-0-29-0
