Match Report
Sunday 23 June –v- New Ash Green at Punch Croft
It came as some relief to those who had been forced to share the minute changing rooms at Seal last week, that NAG’s facilities were spacious enough to comfortably cope with Fatarse Lewis as well the remaining ten players. Against strong opponents, after winning the toss, we elected to allow our hosts the liberty of running up a large total. They certainly intended to take full advantage of the offer, immediately putting Nosperm to the sword, while Copious seed Moyse toiled energetically without reward. Not for the first time, the spinners were introduced at an early stage, with the intent both of slowing the scoring and of making the all important breakthrough. Spud, finally, removed one opener with a fairly tasty return catch and this opened the trickle-gates to more success. NAG obviously felt we held some form of secret weapon in reserve and became hell-bent on scoring rapid runs, with no concern for the casualties it was costing them. Gordon bowled even more of the usual dross we expect, but produced two ‘gem’ deliveries to enhance his final analysis, while Chris managed a spell of some consistency, to wrap up the tail. The enigmatic Sumo Morrison further mystified his observers with three fine stumpings, which probably take that statistic higher than his catches for the year. During the humdrum and excitement the NAG opener remained immovable, compiling an attractive century, which was the cement in a final 199 all out. A fine tea was followed by a not quite fine enough response. Chucks complete with new bat, found to his cost, that a bad craftsman should never blame his tools, with an early departure. Runs were at a premium in the early part of the reply, with Steve hopelessly out of touch. NAG, to their credit opened up the game, in the hope of grabbing some cheap wickets. This loosening of the strictures enabled us to piece together some respectability, with Hugh Jars sharing fifty stands with both Gordy and Danglers. Whilst never posing a serious threat to the target, it was comforting to see the ease with which we avoided defeat, finally closing only 27 runs behind, after a thumping 38* from Coco gave us quick runs in the last few overs.
