Latest News and Match ReportsFrindsbury II's v Gravesend (August 22, 2009)Frindsbury 2nd XI could welcome back self proclaimed 'Old Duffers' Shaz Raza and Paul Winchester, along with colts Connor Ashenden and Mike Evans, for the visit of local side Gravesend to Frogs Island. Sam Gracey and Pete Blackman's services were required in the first team, while Roger White was away on bathroom duties.
Losing the toss and being asked to bowl was a bit of pleasant surprise for home side skipper Mark Gracey and his bunch of merry men, as inswinger Raj Bassi, opened up the innings with outswinger Paul Winchester. With the usual top notch Frindsbury ground fielding, and wicket to wicket bowling, Gravesend, aside from a couple of lusty blows from A Stone, immediately were on the back foot. As Gravesend found the ball increasingly difficult to get away, wickets began to fall, with Winchester making the breakthrough, after a smart catch, at the second attempt from Dave Peters behind the sticks. Bassi then got in on the act, again, with Dave Peters making a simple catch look world class, at the second attempt.
Dave Peters, unsurprisingly, took the third catch too, surprisingly at the first attempt. Tom Burt then got in on the act, taking a good low catch at short leg off the bowling of another Old Duffer Shaz Raza, who the continued to rip through the Gravesend middle order. Only Gravesend skipper, Bradford, then made double figures in the last five batsmen in the order, before he was smartly stumped by Dave Peters for 29.
Opener G Stone, still held his wicket though, but was proving little threat as wickets tumbled around him. He reached a well deserved half century, but as Winchester mopped up the tail with his shotgun and his chubby little face, Stone was left unbeaten, carrying his bat for 58. The Gravesend innings wound up on 151 all out, from 49.4 overs.
The wicket was a difficult one to score on, as the Gravesend innings had shown, but Tom Burt played in usual attacking vein, and made a quickfire 17, before he was undone by a good inswinger. Possibly the first good ball that has got him out all season. Mike Evans, fresh from his two week excursion to the Algarve, grew in confidence as his innings progressed, and build an excellent partnership with Raj Bassi. A vital stand of about 80, at a critical time for the home side, as they weathered the Gravesend storm. Mike Evans eventually fell for a very solid 36, but had set up a platform for victory. Laurence Claughton continues his rich vein of form, and supported Bassi to a brilliant half century, and then on to make a match winning 67*.
A Great performance from the young Frindsbury team, who have now won three on the bounce, and secured their Kent League position for a second year.
Rumour has it, Connor Ashenden and Mark Gracey will open the batting on the last game of the season now, Shaz Raza will be keeping wicket, while Tom Burt and Roger White open the bowling, and Mike Evans comes on first change. And Paul Winchester will grow his fringe back.
Winchy and Shaz want people to talk to them apparently. Not sure what about.
Thanks to Emily for the teas, as well as those other nice ladies who helped. Thanks to Dave C for scoring, and Dave G for Umpiring. Thanks to Anita and Nigel for running the bar. |
2009 Club Honours
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