Grace's too strong for Beddington
A lovely sunny afternoon saw Grace’s play at one of our favourite clubs – the ever welcoming Beddington CC. Gordie somehow persuaded their skipper to play our usual 40 overs game rather than their preferred time game format much to his team’s joy (last season they hung on for a draw) The home team chose to bat first and were soon in trouble as their no. 2 Pye , edged to Anosh at slip who took a great one handed catch. He was soon followed back to the pavilion by Clarke , his opening partner , who took on Newton’s arm for a second run and was a few yards short – 18 for 2.
Wickets fell regularly until Beddington’s young number 6, Iqbal, chanced his arm for an entertaining 20 until Newton caught and bowled him. This left Beddington at 84 for 5 – the remaining batsmen didn’t offer much resistance finally all out for a below par 118. The highlight was Stuart taking catches off consecutive deliveries from Newton leaving him with 4 wickets and on a hat-trick ball for his next game!
An eventful innings also featured at least 6 dropped catches (Sid was one of the luckless bowlers!) as well as a sharp slip catch by Gordie – stronger opposition would have made us pay – hopefully we can sharpen up next time. Extras top scored with 26!
After a refreshing tea, Stuart and Leo opened Grace’s innings and both immediately played some well timed attacking shots taking us rapidly to 60 by the 8th over – our first 50 run opening partnership of the season. 5 runs were also added by the ball hitting the wicket keeper’s helmet placed behind him! Stuart eventually fell LBW for a classy 33 (including an all run 4!) leaving Leo to take us to winning total with his maiden fifty for Grace’s with some well timed cover drives – Niroshan hit a quick 17 not out at number 4 after Scott was stumped.
His team mates gratefully accepted Leo’s celebratory drinks in the bar afterwards!
So an enjoyable game against a weaker than usual Beddington team – next season they’ll probably not be so willing to play the 40 over format.