Grace's run out of steam
Match report Devon tour V Bridestowe 17th August 2014
So the tour moved onto the Sunday game at Bridestowe – the morning weather looked threatening but Grace’s were fortunate that the weather turned out to be fine for the game which had been delayed by an hour and reduced to 35 overs – although the supporters wished for another 5 degrees on the boundary!
So with the same line up Dom won the toss and put the home side in on a very green and drying pitch. The opening batsmen, Butler (agricultural but effective) and Bedford (more stylish) then put together a useful partnership of 70 in 12 overs. A few chances were put down from Newton and Sid’s bowling until Mendis finally trapped Bedford LBW for 29. Meanwhile Mr Butler continued with his lusty blows until newbie Tsering had him well caught on the boundary by Noddy for 43.
The score was then 102 for 2 off 17 overs and the home team looked well set as the youthful middle order carried on with the attacking strokes reaching the 26th over with the score at 145 for 4. The final total was 230 for 8 off 35 overs – Mendis picked up 4 wickets and Leo turning his arm with 4 overs picking up one – a good stumping by Scott who has settled well into his keeping role. Grace’s fielders seemed to have done a lot of chasing on the lush outfield but didn’t give up!
Georg had again excelled himself helping to put together another memorable tea which everyone enjoyed.
After the break Stuart opened with Mendis and they duly scored freely taking the total to 55 off only 8 overs before Stuart was caught by Bob The Builder (ask anyone at the game!) for 35 – a middle order wobble saw Jonners , Simon and Leo back in the pavilion for not much. This left Noddy to take the reins against accurate home bowling – Mendis had also been caught for 30 (84 – 5) Newton then teamed up with Noddy with an entertaining 6th wicket stand of 85 in 14 overs raising our hopes of a win.
Noddy in particular showed his class with some lovely shots to all parts of the ground before being well caught on the boundary for a fine 74 off only 67 deliveries. Grace’s were now looking to chase the game – Newton was soon bowled for an important 20 bringing Scott in who quickly hit 2 stylish drives before getting a bit carried away going down the wicket after an LBW shout and getting himself run out! Dom soon followed bringing Sid and Tsering together for the 9th wicket.They enjoyed their brief stay at the wicket – Sid continuing his batting from Saturday with 2 cracking fours , Tsering was delighted to hit one too!
However it was not enough and with the final score at 193 for 9 off 35 overs we were 38 runs short. So Bridestowe had revenge for last season and both teams retired to the pub.
So another great tour with 2 enjoyable games against really hospitable opponents with the weather being kinder to us. Bring on next season!