Monday June 01, 2009

Fulmer v Vultures  Saturday May 30th

 Fulmer 194/7 lost by 6wkts to Vultures 195/4

Under cloudless skies the Vultures C.C. landed at a sun-kissed King Georges Field with the home side only too aware they were facing a tough fixture. As if they needed any reminder the selectors turned up the corresponding game from 2008 to see it had been a bit of a humbling for Fulmer – top scorer on the day having been last man (Phil Mison) with just 11. 

Six weeks into the season we still seek a big, strong pace bowler to sharpen up our attack. As the selection committee had anticipated, while again carving out a winnable total with the bat, we were indeed light in the bowling department.  

However, Fulmer blooded two teenage debutants, and neither let the side down. Welcome Angus Spratling (14), next door neighbour of Edward Guinness in Fulmer village, and Josh Webster (15) from Iver Village – let’s be seeing plenty more of them in years to come. 

Paul Colloff had prepared a batting paradise and with strong sunshine drying up the outfield the watching spectators enjoyed plenty of big-hitting and a run feast for both teams. Fulmer won the toss for once as openers Prash Kumar and Derek Randall made hay in the heat. 93 came up for the first wicket in quick time, with Prash playing some scintillating shots in his season best 62 – including one towering six into the car park tree. 

Expansive shots were at a premium after that, Jamie King and Julian Gibbs still to really get going this season after injuries, but the middle-order kept their heads to keep the scoreboard ticking along, youngsters Josh and Angus and Andy Reid all making double figures. 

Vultures bat deep and with aggression from the get-go. After 5 sighters, the last ball of Manu’s first over sailed over square leg’s head to the boundary. Angus bowled quickly and with promise but no luck in finding the edge, and although Vultures took the aerial route to many deliveries the ball teasingly kept just eluding our men in the deep, though two very catchable chances went down. 

Colly, Derek and Manu all suffered, with the ball refusing to turn, though the skipper pulled off a neat juggling catch while flat on his back in front of the pavilion to keep the watching supporters amused. 

Those who turned up saw almost 400 runs in perfect weather, but it was the big hitters from our visitors who had the last word with plenty of overs to spare, their opener posting a boundary-rich 81.

Don’t forger, there will be a B-B-Q arranged for after next Saturday’s home game with Greenwich Zebras (weather permitting). See you there!

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