Great start to the tour!
Lustleigh CC 113 for 8 in 20 overs; Grace’s 116 for 2 in 14.2 overs.
After months of anticipation the day of our first tour match finally came around at the home of Lustleigh CC in deepest Devon.
After a glorious summer of course the weather chose to close in over the tour weekend and as we drove to the ground under grey skies our hearts were sinking at the prospect of watching the rain coming down from the pavilion.
However our spirits rose at the sight of the stumps going up as we drove into the unbelievably picturesque setting of what is Peter O’Toole’s (Google him if you don’t know !) favourite cricket venue.
A 20 over format was chosen as the weather showed no signs of improving with the hosts batting first in steady drizzle. After 5 overs 34 had been added quicktime before Stuart “Hoover” (check with any tourists for his new nickname!) ran around from long on to hold onto the unbelievable catch of the tour. Then the new stars of Grace’s bowling – namely Dom , Jonners and Leo showed the rest of the team how there’s nothing to getting wickets as they all took 2 apiece – Dom & Jonners with their first deliveries! With Hoover showing considerable grace sliding in the damp outfield Lustleigh were retricted to 113 for 8 – a highlight being 11 year old Oliver hitting 20 not out.
The teams then retired to the pavilion for a marvelous tea during which sunshine was seen! Gordie & Mahender then started our challenge with the former retiring after a 19 ball 33. After Mahender was caught for 13 Abhi kept the momentum going with a quick 19. Mendis also retired after a 15 ball 30 leaving Noddy and Hoover to bring us home for an 8 wicket win. Oliver showed himself to be a promising allrounder with a good spell of bowling.
The game was played in a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of teasing – the hosts were very hospitable and went the extra mile to accommodate us. So a great day was had by all as we walked over to the stunning 15th century Cleave pub for a drink with our gracious opposition.
A great start to the tour!