Late game change sees us visit Essex
Match report Sunday 5th June away to Theydon Bois – won by 46 runs
Graces travelled to deepest Essex to face new opposition, Theydon Bois, due to Wendover’s inability to raise a team for the 20th anniversary match. A glorious afternoon saw Dom win the toss and opt to bat (with some input from the home side) on a green strip at the charming Theydon Bois set up featuring a beautiful oak tree within the boundary.
Dom and Manish batted cautiously against accurate bowling taking the score to 30 for the first wicket when Manish was LBW for 17 in the 11th over. The batting then collapsed to 44 for 6 after 18 overs with the home side on a roll and we were in trouble with the hosts scenting blood. Newton in at 5 decided to take the attack to the bowlers with able support from Scott taking the score to 93 with some pulls and lofted drives before he was well caught on the boundary by Mr Bullivant – (more of him to follow) in the 25th over – scoring an entertaining and invaluable 37.
Chris (20) then continued the aggression with Scott adding 31 for the next wicket before Scott’s skier was caught – he contributed an important 25. The tail continued to wag with a final total of 135 all out in the 34th over of 35.
The hosts had bowled well and 135 looked under par on a true strip as we enjoyed a fine tea. Apparently their batting order was mixed up and this was demonstrated when the opener was bowled by Newton with the very first ball of their innings! – a royal duck? Graces couldn’t quite believe what followed as Newton bowled the number 3 also in the opening over continuing with a clatter of wickets for almost no runs – including Leo taking a blinder at square leg.. Manish held up one end while Newton continued the damage.
Jonners ,who was scoring, had to double check the score as 7 wickets were down for only 13 runs after 10 overs. The lavishly bearded Mr Bullivant then entered the fray and signaled his intent after getting his eye in by hitting a series of big sixes to entertain the spectators. Stuart spectacularly caught one of these right on the boundary but couldn’t stay within the playing area.
Young George Green stayed with him but after a rapid 69 including 5 sixes Stuart took a great catch on the boundary and Mr Bullivant was on his way. Graces were starting to get concerned as he certainly could have won the game. The hosts were shortly all out for 89 in the 24th over. The next highest score was only 4!
Newton was the main destroyer finishing with 6 wickets for only 5 runs off 4.5 overs with Chris getting 2 for only 3 runs. It was definitely our day as our hosts couldn’t keep out the accurate bowling – Theydon Bois were very hospitable and hopefully we’ll be invited back to their great venue.