Match Report Merrow 1xi vs HWRCC

1s lose to Merrow.
Merrow 178-6
Wick 145 ao

Click here for scorecard

I would classify last Saturday merely as a loss. We played some good cricket, as did the oppo, and we were on the wrong end of a good tussle. The fact that it has happened a few times already this year isn’t the point here.

Good game, some good performances but a loss. No more. The week before was a debacle on a par with Godalming 2008, but that’s an entirely different story.

Clearly the 1s are not playing to their full potential. We’ve played 5 and lost 3 of them. We didn’t lose any last year! There are perhaps a number of factors in this. Firstly we’ve never traditionally been a batting side, but when you’re ‘Reliables’ are not reliably scoring runs, it doesn’t matter how well you bowl and field, you won’t win. For the record I would classify myself as a ‘Reliable’.

Secondly, whilst I can honestly say that the standard this year has been slightly down on the top of Fullers Div 1 (its clearly better than the bottom of Div 1), the opposition have shown themselves (with one exception) to be wily. Difficult tracks have favoured relatively dour cricket. Our side is full of bravado and strike makers. Last week for instance 7 of 10 wickets to fall were caught in the outfield (not even in the cordon).

Thirdly we have lost 3 in a row at home. We’ve won our 2 away. New surface, new rules?

Fourthly cricket is played in the head and momentum can take you on a ride. But its up to you to address it when this happens and turn the corner. I always say if it was easy it wouldn’t be so enjoyable.

Having said that, and reflecting on how poorly we have played overall this year to date, we could easily be 5 form 5. Against Kingstonian, which actually felt a bit like a pre-season friendly for us, we came within 6 runs of winning. Against Sanderstead, a decision here or an edge that didn’t go to hand could have meant we walked home having been 100-2 only chasing 148. Last week the opposition relied heavily on a brilliant knock from their overseas – rarely will he have left the ball so well against persistent attack. 45-4 at drinks says it all. That 70-odd won’t be bettered this season.

Still lots of positives to look forward to – ideally with some good flat tracks that reward bravery (not stupidity). And then I look at the weather forecast. Oh well, I guess it’s up to me then...

MOM – Boney. Exceptional innings.