Latest News and Match ReportsFrindsbury II's v Tunbridge Wells (July 11, 2009)Coming off the back from two consecutive defeats, and having been hit for almost 300 the previous week, confidence amoung the Frindsbury bowlers wasn't at it's highest. However, thoughts of their first ever kent league match, whch resulted in an 8 wicket victory for the Medway side, gave them fresh hope in readiness for the match. a few forced changes were made; Pete Blackman, Sam Gracey and Pete Ashenden were on holiday, in the ones and in the threes respectively, with Roger White and Dave Peters returning, and a Kent League debut for Nigel Pullen.
Winning the toos, and electing to bowl, in an effort to make the most of the bowler friendly conditions above, and to make best use fo the drying pitch, things didn't get off to the ideal start, with TW's openers, Haggar and Beck taking a liking to Blown especially. Haggar and Beck punished any slip in line and length ruthlesly, and the choice to bowl looked increasingly like a bad choice for the deflated attack. However, with the score just past 50, Frindsbury struck. Handing the ball to Shaz Raza paid off. he got one to do a bit off the seam, which Haggar could only nick to Peters behind the timbers, who gladly held on. 53 for 1, quickly became 53 for 2, as Raza needed no assistance this time, to send the bails to leg slip.
From this point on Frindsbury didn't look back. The fielding was superb, hunting in pairs, and catching almost everything that came their way. There was one exception, who shall remain nameless. Regular readers will be aware the Frindsbury players often have their battles with gravity. Raza himself was one unfortunate victim this season, but not today. I won't name names, but for arguments sake, we will call the individual Bom Turt. Bom dropped four catches, though he claims it was only 3. Two, in one unfortnaute over from Mark Gracey. Anyway, we won't dwell on it.
As has been said, Frindsbury didn't look back. 53 for 0, from about 18 overs, became 106 all out. With Gracey, Ashenden and Pullen each claiming a wicket also. But pick of the bowlers, and match turner was Frindsbury's overseas man; Shaz Raza, who bowled superbly on the pitch, to return figures of 14-3-24-6. Catches off the day came from Roger White (2), Connor Ashenden and Mike Evans, who's new game off trying to catch the ball as low as possible looks set to be seen at cricket grounds across the country soon!
With 107 needed for victory, and a fairly strong batting line up on offer, Frindsbury were confident at tea. That confidence proved true, as Tom Burt, looking to make up for four errors earlier on in the day, opened the batting with Mike Evans. Burt, in his usual attacking vein was brutal, scoring several fours and one car park finder on his way to a good 51, before being trapped in front by Churchill. Ironic that Tom's middle name is in fact Winston.
Evans continued to impress at the other end, and with just 20 needed for victory, Pullen joined him at the crease, and the pair made light work of it, and knocked off the remaining runs in 24.3 overs, with Evans finishing on 33* and Pullen 13*.
The result leaves Frindsbury clear of the relegation places, and hopeful that the bowling and fielding attack can maintain the high standards set on Saturday afternoon, and push on for the remainder of the season. |
2009 Club Honours
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