Post date: Jun 5, 2016 6:12:08 PM
After a disappointing start to the season, the firsts faced a must win game at home against fellow strugglers Chelston and Kingskerswell. The visitors won the toss, and elected to bat first. They didn't get off to the best of starts though as in Lavis' (9-17-3) second over, Parr edged to Phil Hatton at first slip who took a good catch above his head. The returning Tom Fog (9-11-2) soon had his first of the season, as Phil took another blinder at first slip, this time diving forward one-handed. Lavis then had his second, bowling Waters with a well-disguised off-cutter. With the scoreboard stagnating, Kulkarni tried to up the pace but after getting a few over the infield, he fell victim to another contender for catch of the season. The ball was skied to wide mid-on off Lavis, Jutson took a while to set off, but when he finally did, he threw his body at the ball and stuck out a hand to pouch the ball just above the ground - much to everyone's surprise. In his last over, Tom picked up Faulkner thanks to a great caught behind from Mark. Brenton slapped a couple of 4s before he skied one to Butler at mid-off just before drinks. With the score at 48-6, BCC were well on top, but needed to push home their advantage. Jutson came on and carried on his early season form by removing Duke caught and bowled. The new batsman Shah struggled early on but smashed a few boundaries before he fell lbw to Sizmur (9-32-2). Cal Mal (3-17-1) also picked up a wicket as a shortish ball found the top edge of Willaton who departed for a patient 9. After a slightly frustrating last wicket partnership, Jutson (6.4-12-2) picked up the last wicket thanks to a slip catch from James Ewen. 94ao was certainly well below a par score, but one which might be tricky if C&K could bowl as accurately as we had managed.
After an outstanding Kathy Fogerty tea, the BCC chase got underway through Mark Fog and Gary Siz. Both looked very comfortable, hitting early boundaries. Kulkarni looked reasonably dangerous and was getting considerable seam movement, and he got a wicket after Mark was adjudged lbw. James Ewen arrived at number three and punched a couple of boundaries through the covers straight away off Parr. First change Harding was equally tempting and James helped himself to a couple more boundaries in his first over. Next over, he tried one shot too many though as he spooned a Kulkarni full toss to mid-off. That would be the last wicket to fall, as Tom Fog and Gary eased home with more than 23 overs remaining. After surviving a top egde, Tom (34no) decided to bring out the slog sweep and hoist Duke over the boundary for a couple of sixes. After a little confusion about how many were required, Gary finished things off with a drive through the off-side for 4 to finish 30no.
All in all it was a much better performance, with some great catching, accurate bowling and clinical batting.
Special thanks also to Jackie who scored impeccably for the first time unassisted.
Next week brings a trip to local rivals Whitchurch, who are level on points with us after four weeks.