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| A Run Out that We All Enjoyed... |
Scorecard
Looking for their first win at the fourth attempt, the thirds took to the field with a strong looking (on paper – not the bruiser kind) 11 against Valley End. Having won the toss for the first time this summer, Sayce put Valley End in to bat on a typical Kingsfield pitch. You had a good idea that it would “do a bit” but how much, where and when was down to the Kingsfield gremlins..
In the huddle, the skipper remarked on the fact that for once the thirds had eleven and they were all present and correct to start the game. Think that’s a given? See previous 3s match reports. Breaking from the huddle (where other encouraging positive words and instructions were dispensed) the 2s skipper Ben Stephens was seen ambling on to the pitch for a word. The 2s were batting but only had 8 men. Charles was duly surrendered to play in the 2s and maybe putting Valley End in to bat wasn’t the best idea. The 3s would field with 10 men.
Schalk, poached from Crossbats by Collier, opened from the top and showed decent wheels. Valley End’s openers were up to it and looked solid. Sam Jones from the Pavillion looked dangerous and caused problems. Neither had the luck they deserved and the breakthrough had to wait until Jack Smith induced the young opener into skying a drive, well held by Kannan at mid-on. After that the durable opener at the other end supported by the No3 Messenger put together a decent stand, never getting away from the Wick but building a good foundation for a big total. The skipper using captain’s prerogative brought himself on after drinks in search of a wicket. It duly arrived with the opener’s middle stump knocked back. Sadly for him, Sayce thought that bought him another over. Trying the controversial tactic of coming round the wicket to the right hander he beat the bat twice but was also dispatched for a 4 and a 6 in the direction of cow corner. The skipper brought back Chaz who did get rid of Messenger for 81. The middle order put together some useful runs and Valley End finished on 230. Jack Smith’s 1-31 showing real control stood out.
The batting looked capable of chasing 230. Collier and Kannan provided another solid start putting on 45 before Kannan departed. Sayce came in and played out three handy maiden overs from the top end. He finally got off the mark with a two behind square. Next ball he called Collier through for a suicidal single which Collier was never in contention to make. 55-2. Sayce feeling a huge deal of remorse and responsibility set about repairing the innings and putting the team back in contention. With Copeland, the Wick got themselves into a position of needing 115 off the last 20 with 8 wickets in hand. Sayce was harsh on anything short from the young spinners while Copeland swept and reverse swept to his delight and the oppos annoyance. Copeland then mistimed to midwicket and was caught. Sayce made further progress with van vuuren. Now 100 needed. Sayce then had another brain-fade running himself out off a no ball. He’d managed to run out his side’s two top-scorers. Has he forgotten how to judge a run?? Despite a belligerent 15 from Dan Kemp with some scorching back foot shots, the Wick ended up 79 short in the end.
More positives to be taken despite the loss. This game really could have gone the other way if the Wick had fielded with 10 and the skipper had a better eye for a well judged run.
MOM – Jack Smith. Villian – undeniably the captain.
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