Friday April 23, 2010

Saturday 17th April 2010 v Little Marlow (Away)

Little Marlow 287-3 drew with Fulmer CC 238-6

Our season opener under a clear blue sky in Marlow saw batsmen from both sides in the ascendancy as the 2010 season got underway with a 500 + run feast, and a centurion from each side. The wicket this early in the season proved to be a batting paradise.

 We were on the receiving end of some brutal hitting here last September (Dave Paddon going for 72 runs off 6 overs), and the home side had little hesitation in asking Fulmer to bowl first. Straight to their task the Little Marlow batsmen were soon into their stride with Fulmer getting another dose - forced to push fielders back to stem the flow of boundaries.

 Their top batsman, warming up for league cricket, smote with gusto straight down the ground before retiring on 114, while two more were to make half centuries. Colly took a wicket with his very first ball but that was a rare highlight as three very catchable chances went down and none of the seven bowlers tried were able to slow the run-rate, although all the bowlers kept their discipline.

 But for some athletic work in the covers from the new ‘slimline’ Jon Baker our opponents would have passed 300 from their 40 overs. The day’s fielding award went to Jon with honours.

 In reply Nick Box got a nasty off cutter straight up to clip top of off stump, with Ian Fisher chancing his arm before being caught at the wicket. Uzair and Nigel Field however put their heads down and batted sensibly to prevent any collapse. Uzair was a little unlucky to fall to a brilliant catch behind square-leg from a delivery that was borderline waist high – just as he was beginning to open up.

 Ali showed his class with some delightful cuts and drives but fell when looking set, while Phil Mison at 6 showed stickability and support for Nigel, who was now really starting to enjoy himself. The pair added 50 into the evening as Fulmer held on comfortably for the draw, closing on 238-6.

 This was only Nigel’s second game. Although a resident of Richings Park for the past 15 years, he had continued playing for his old side in Surrey. It is Fulmer’s luck that he’s now decided to play his cricket locally. Well done Nigel, his 123 not out may not be bettered all summer, and he is a very welcome recruit to the ranks.