Sunday May 17, 2009

Sunday 19th April 2009 v Widmer End (Away)

 Fulmer bt Widmer End by 74 runs

A well-balanced side began the new season in great style with a comprehensive win at Widmer End, dismissing the home side for just 46. 

The key to victory, disciplined medium-paced bowling from both ends, as the host’s chased a modest 121 for victory on the first really warm afternoon of the summer. On a typical spring greentop with little pace and a slow outfield, batting was never easy. However, after winning the toss, skipper Jackson’s decision to bat first proved the right one.  

Last season’s encounter saw the home side rack up 222, with three of their top four posting 50’s, as Fulmer succumbed to a crushing 94 run defeat. Perhaps with that in mind, the home skipper generously opted to open with spin from both ends. The bowling was far from loose, but openers Nick Box and Danny Jackson batted with maturity and a refreshing air of aggression. With clever shot selection and quick running between the wickets 47 came from the first 10 overs. 

At this point Widmer End turned to their two genuine quicks and our momentum stalled. Nick could have been out three times in one over before being cleaned up for 23 (four 4’s) and after Danny had seen his first delivery from the top end speed merchant fly past his chest, he too was on his way for 20. 

The wicket-taker, Wright, was clearly a guesting league player, and way beyond our standard, but as luck would have it he ricked his back in his 3^rd over and that was the end of his stint. Mark Denness then batted watchfully for a patient 20, but more importantly, shepherded the middle order past three figures. No other batsmen made double figures, but vital double-digit stands with Pete Box (6), Phil Mison and Dave Jackson (both 8) got Fulmer up to 120, with Mark being 9^th out. 

The home side then faced four overs before the tea interval, as Fulmer opened with Dave Paddon and Mark Denness in tandem. Dave was instrumental in a fine last-match of 2008 win at Ballinger, and here he was once again giving the openers nothing to hit. At tea there was a quiet conviction that, with the ball keeping low, this contest was very much alive.  

And so it proved. ‘Pads’ claimed the first three wickets as frustration gripped Widmer End’s strokemakers. Both openers went plumb lbw, Fish sprinted from behind the stumps to pouch a top edge, and it was 8-3. Despite the back spasm Mr Wright arrived at four and within no time had launched both bowlers back over their heads for six, again betraying his league ‘status.’  

Having raced to 32 , and with the field spread, here was one man capable of winning the game on his own. Bowling up the hill to that point for no reward off 5 overs, Mark Denness proceeded to ‘unhinge’ the local “superstar” with a superb over, consistently finding a nagging length, before firing one through to rattle the timbers. Just three more runs came from the bat as wickets tumbled in quick succession, with our hosts all out for a paltry 46. Dave Paddon returned 5-25 from 11 overs, Mark Denness a very disciplined 4-18 from 10.4 which included 5 maidens. 

Fulmer welcomed two debutants on the day. Sim Deshai got off the mark with a boundary, and Mark Overall took a good catch, on a day when our out cricket was also sharp. Both have experience with other local clubs and we look forward to them enjoying a successful season along with the rest of us. 

Finally, an honourable mention for Ian Fisher. Although not troubling the scorers this time, his keeping, on a tricky track, was impeccable. Not a single extra to his name. Our thanks to the opposition for a splendid tea and game played in fine spirit.

Phil Mison

Vice-captain