Friday July 02, 2010

Saturday 16th May 2010 v Cranbourne (Home)

Fulmer v Cranbourne lost by 2 wickets

A game against long established local rivals Cranbourne got underway in what can best be described as blustery conditions at King Georges. The prevailing winds ensured that batting would have to be undertaken without the aide of sightscreens which had been sent scudding behind the boundary.  

Despite this minor inconvenience and emboldened by last weeks results.  Fulmer having won the toss decided to put their batting to the test. The innings started quite brightly with both Ian and Derek getting the scoreboard ticking over comfortably. However Ian's departure was to herald the wheels coming well and truly off. Against accurate and consistent bowling from Cranbourne, Prash, Tony and last weeks centurion Mark contributed a net 2 runs !! Mark falling to a first ball duck.  

Stubborn resistance from Derek interspersed with some glimpses of boundary hitting from Julian, Paul and debutant Nigel meant that the Innings came to an end at 82. The obvious feeling at Tea was that this was nowhere near enough runs.

Fulmer took the field after tea with realistic expectations but determined to do whatever they were able to put pressure on the opposition. And so it proved, the opening attack of Mark & Prash became a real handful with the scoreboard moving slowly and wickets falling steadily. Fulmers out cricket continued to show vast improvement from last year with most chances offered being taken. Paul continued his fine form by pouching two catches at Mid Off a hatrick beckoned when  Paul positioning under a steepler was "taken out " by young debutant Charlie Denness whose rapid, misjudged but well intentioned arrival from Mid On almost confined a startled Colloff to Wexham A & E. A little bit of concern but a great deal of laughter from prone team mates ensued. 

At 43 -5 the prospect of a remarkable victory emerged. The arrival of Cranbourne's hard hitting batsmen Robinson coincided with Prash tiring and some lusty blows allowed the batting side to get ever closer to the total without the loss of further wickets. However, that was not the end of the drama, a run out, the removal of Robinson and a blistering return catch by Mark ( who heroically bowled 17 overs and took 5 wickets )meant that Cranbourne had stumbled to 81 - 8. Their No 10 batsmen then decided to take the aerial route and only survived when a spectacular full length dive from Danny ( jnr ) just failed to pouch the difficult chance offered. 

So ultimately  a nerve jangling 2 wkt loss had to be endured, but wow what an enjoyable afternoon and a spirited performance. And plenty of "Reasons to be cheerful " Delighted to also report that to their credit our opposition stayed to enjoy some memories, tall tales and Fulmer Hospitality.