Post date: May 7, 2017 8:13:00 AM
There was a quiet confidence pervading those that assembled at Cost Cutter for the trip down to Harberton with most of the concerns being around the deteriorating weather and Jut's dog. After pit stops for fuel, fags and cash, Charlie 'Google knows the way', Phil 'two Jags' and Ian 'why am I always late' set off with Neilo, Kieran and new signing, Steve Pullan making thier own way direct. Those in Charlie's car got to experience some Green Lane rallying as once again Google let him down, but all arrived safely in time for the first game of the fresh season. The changing rooms were resplendent with newly purchased kit including a particularly natty set of silver boots from Butler. It was with little hope that Lee sauntered out to the middle for the toss and sure enough, maintaining his 100% record and defying laws of statistics, Jutson lost again. As it turned out, it may have been a good toss to lose.
With plenty of middle order but little at the top, Charlie once again took on the role of sacrificial lamb by opening with Tim Shaw. Charlie (2), could be seen mumbling to himself trying to exhibit some restraint however it was only 3 overs in before he was tempted into an ambitious drive on a ball pitching outside from Harvey that cut in sharply and shot through his wide-open gate, smashing down off stump. Ian Jutson joined Shaw and the two of them played well for a reasonable start of 30 before Tim (17) was triggerred lbw after some pretty relentless appealing and despite a good stride in. Mark Butler (1) and debutant Steve Pullan (8) never looked at ease and there was a growing sense of despondency as the wickets kept falling. It was 5 wickets down with only 52 on the board when Ian (20) holed out and things were looking pretty grim. Kieran Lee (27) had a couple of powerful overs and with support from Neilo (6) and incoming skipper Jutson (25 n.o.) got the score into 3 figures. Lee battled well but in the end, Bomber (5), Phil Down (0) and Dave Jops (0), contributed little and BCC were out for an under par 126. Credit must go to G. Harvard (9-3-20-4) who bowled some balls that much higher league players would have struggled with.
Despite the low score, with a strong bowling attack it was with some optimism that the second-string attacked a fine tea and starting twirling arms to see if they still worked warming up for a session in the field. The opposition openers showed how to play an early season game, patiently ticking along at 2 runs an over and getting themselves set before Roud (17) began opening his shoulders and taking some good length balls and bullying them through the leg side. Openers Shaw and Jutson noticed this and Shaw set the trap by pitching one up outside off stump and Roud dutifully tried to pull it to leg and was caught and bowled from a leading edge. This brought Harvard to the crease who looked the part from the off. Newcomer Steve P had him looking concerned early on but he soon settled into a confident and accomplished innings. All bowling options apart for Joppers were explored but it was one of those days where nothing quite went to hand and the batsman played well and despite the slow start, it only took 29 overs for Harvard (59 n.o.) and opener Taylor (41 n.o.) to seal the win.
So not a great start to the season but a reminder to the might seconds that life won't be as easy in this division and that some application will be needed, especially with the bat. Bowling, Fielding and Chat were all up to spec' but more needed in finding the way to the ground and trying to actually bat something close to the allotted overs.