Bowlers on top!
Match report away to Theydon Bois 4th June 2017
A return for Graces to Theydon Bois’ charming ground was in jeopardy midweek as the home team were struggling to get 11. Thankfully some colts were roped in resulting in a team with three 14 year old and two 15 year old players with some more wizened characters!
The toss lost we were asked to bat on a greenish strip. Niroshan and Stuart opened- a communication breakdown in the 4th over saw Stuart run out, soon followed by his opening partner bowled for 6 leaving us 18 for 2 after 5 overs. Dom and Mendis took up our attack with the latter looking like he was going to get a bigly score until he was inexplicably bowled for a quick 14.
Dom once more batted responsibly for 20 – after this wickets fell regularly with no one getting established and at 93 for 8 we looked in trouble – this was a repeat of last season. The bowling was mixed but the ball wasn’t coming on with a lot of mistimed strokes resulting in wickets.
Matthew and Asad were our saviours, compiling a very entertaining 55 run partnership with Matthew scoring a personal best for the club with a fine 29 before being run out. We really enjoyed his innings which had 4 handsome fours and a 3! He deservedly was awarded man of the match – perhaps he’ll be promoted up the order next week!
Asad as ever made his partner work with a lot of very quick singles before he was bowled for 24. Our total was a much healthier 154 all out which seemed unlikely earlier.
After a fine tea Graces took to the field and produced a disciplined bowling display as the home team were restricted in their scoring shots – the top score was 23 and they were eventually all out for 94 in the 30th over – Stuart taking a fine catch in the deep to see off their aggressive number opener was a highlight. Some fine bowling figures resulted – the pick being Mendis 4 wickets for 17 ,he was on 2 hat tricks – sadly no third wicket followed!
Theydon Bois are a very welcoming team and the game was played in a great spirit. We are looking forward to returning next season
This match also marked the debut of Simon as umpire (poached during the 20/20 day!) We look forward to seeing more of him and perhaps an appearance or two!
Next week south London with a visit to Merton CC