Erlestoke vs AVCC T20
Off we went to the magnificent walled-gardens of Erlestoke, looking for a positive result after our recent meeting with them.
The omens weren't good....the skies rolled with dark clouds, and we turned up with just 10 players - 2 of which are still at school (and will be for some long time - Rory and Tom Law). On a fast, dry and sloping track at Erlestoke the captain's challenge was how to stop the boundaries with less players than needed.
Anyway, Erlestoke were put into bat by Graham Newland and were held in check by some magnificent fast-medium bowling by Tim Law (1-13 off 4 overs) and Jon Wolverton (0-17 off 4). Amazingly for a T20, Tim even posted a maiden in his third over, and he beat the bat on many an occasion. Their no.1 looked dangerous and was out to a very sharp diving catch by Iuean Pearn off Tim's bowling, that brought an even more talented batsman to the crease who flogged us around for 56 runs before being caught by Ieuan. This meant our middle orders suffered a bit with Rory Law on 2-30 despite giving the batsmen many problems with his spinners and Ben Jones on 1-49. However, Ieuan kept the score from becoming unreasonable by a lively and almost unplayable spell of 1-14 off 4 overs. However, the highlight of this was the wicket taken.....it might have been Ieuan's bowl but young Rory Law took probably the catch of the season from a missile  hurtling in his direction by diving and catching it just about one handed. Phew!
Our field performed like we had 12 players on the pitch throughout....Tom Law patrolling the boundaries with good effect and all 10 players being on their toes to make great stops and restrict the runs. We looked like a real cricket team. Angus Harley and Simon Borthwick shared wicket-keeping duties and both performed excellently on a bouncy dry pitch. Jon and Simon Campbell closed the innings quietly and Erlestoke's innings closed at 134-6. Our extras were Erlestoke's second highest scorer on 24.
It looked like a formidable total for 10 players - nearly 7 an over. In the 40 overs match we played here last year we averaged over 6 an over and so we were not downcast. The light had cheered up and so Simon Borthwick and Angus Harley went out to open our innings. With Simon Campbell already sipping a beer by this point, we were quietly optimistic especially as we had found the local beer store in the pavilion (beer does that I believe).They got us off to a good start, and were 24 in the 4th over when Angus got a good ball and was given out lbw (by our own umpire! Tim!). Jon Wolverton came in for a neat cameo - 2 major shots - 10 runs - but out under the local rule that a 6 struck over the walls is out. It was a great shot though! 44-2. 2 quick wickets, the captain was concerned, but cometh the hour, cometh the man. Ieuan Pearn strode in at no 4 and set about the bowling with a range of shots along with Simon.
The scoreboard began to rattle as we quickly advanced to 72 off 10 overs...we were above the asking rate. Was a collapse imminent? Would the good work be undone? They took us to 92-3 when Simon was undone by the deadly bad ball that seemed to somehow find a way to miss his bat and hit the stumps. He had scored a magnificent 35 (4x4's and 1x6 (not over the wall)) and looked in good form. Simon Campbell took the crease amongst much heckling and numerous "howzats" from his mates on the opposition, but he and Ieuan held firm and saw us through to victory on 138-3 off just 17.2 overs. Ieuan got a career best for him at AVCC on 41 not out (6X4s; 1x6 (hit the wall)) and Simon was 20 not out.
A great victory. Celebrated - by those not at school - well into the evening, sampling Erlestoke's generous hospitality and food in the local tavern. A good evening's work!
Looking forward to Wilcot at home on Sunday.
Graham Newland