First XI match report V Winton 1st XI
The first team travelled early to the delights of Winton CC on a very warm summers day in Bournemouth! A successful trip to McDonald’s set the scene for what was to be hopefully a momentous day. Having lost 2 of the first 4 matches and one washout the team knew they needed to come away with the win and set about their business in a positive way.
Firstly to have got 13 including umpire and scorer into 3 cars there was already a sense of ‘this could be our day’. Football was played to warm up with the Navy Blues winning comfortably 4-2, a hat-trick for Chris Davis. Was it to be his day with his travelling fans out in force at this beautiful venue!
The game started with a lost toss, shame as it looked a batting paradise, Winton sent us out into the field (sad really given the heat). A good start from Malden meant that a drive mulled into his chest managed to still run for 4, much to the grumpiness of the opening quick Jon Hawk given the speed of the outfield and the inability of the fielder! However the team recalibrated and got about their work, taking a leaving the hosts 47-1 after 10 on a pitch that looked to be playing fairly well.
Tom Wiltshire came into the attack and took an early wicket with a great catch taken by Scott Mcgaughrin at 45, score now 55-2. The hosts recovered to 93-2 before Ed Ikin struck with a great catch by Liam Doran moving around at mid off. The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, some big shots playing by the hosts coupled with some interesting shots means the O’s were well on top at 159-7. The O’s continued to apply the pressure under the hot sun and managed to get Winton out for 197, Malden leading the charge with 4-36 and the rest of the wickets shared between the other bowlers 1 a piece. Some good bowling from Craig Williamson in his singular over saw a stone dead LBW turned down, however he thought it best to take the umpire out of the equation and just hitting the stumps himself. A particular highlight was the skipper asking the umpire quite clearly ‘how is that? How is that one?’ Very calmly to what was potentially the most plumb LBW seen in Hampshire that day, although Craig would contest this view!
197 felt very chase-able on a deck that did not seem to have too many gremlins. The O’s started positively with Williamson into his work early and a slightly injured Kyran Munt playing a less expansive version of cricket than we are used to see him playing. However early wickets fell, Williamson and Munt adjudged LBW and Ikin producing one of the finest chop-ons in recent history. With Doran and Russell at the crease the innings relaxed, both batters absorbing pressure and looking assured at the crease. Russell out caught at cover left the O’s 56-4, and the total of 197 looking more impressive than previously thought.
Doran and Hawk produced a fine partnership of 62, restoring us to 118-4 before Liam was again adjudged LBW sweeping, maybe the shot played a role in the decision. Davis and Hawk followed in quick succession leaving the side 126-7. However the lower order of Malden and Mcgaughrin saw the team home with a 72 run partnership, some great running out the pressure back on Winton and some fine hitting allowed the final 72 runs to come off of only 67 balls on what was a tougher track to bat on that it seemed.
A great game and a super evening was had. One of the best atmospheres seen at a cricket club that I have had the pleasure of attending, beautiful weather, great music and all whilst watching a great win for the 2’s!
Onwards for the next match at home against Hythe and Dibden on Saturday starting at 12.30!
