BENFLEET CRICKET CLUB Benfleet 1st XI v Basildon on Sat 03 May 2008 at
BENFLEET CRICKET CLUB Won
So, after losing the toss on a soggy surface we knew it was going to be a hard slog, especially in light of some of their bowlers who we knew would suit conditions. We tried to pull Hunter from the scorebox but unfortunately he had a whole range of freshly sharpened pencils that he was eager to put into action.
So, the Benfleet innings – well, Wrighty started well with some trademark shots through the leg side but the slow track proved his un-doing, soon followed by Philo and Tremmers who both scratched around like they were in need of rash cream!! After being dropped first ball, Mickey T looked flamboyant on his way to 20 before getting bored of looking good – it’s official – we have a collapse going on!! This was tasting as unpalatable as a packet of Scampi fries.
Enter Pritchard (29) and Steed (21*), the rear-guard action they both showed proved the potential we all knew they had with the bat. They enabled us a platform for which to build a respectable total of 142 all out.
The start of the Basildon innings couldn’t have been better for us with Chris, our kiwi import from Melbourne ( confusing I know..) picking up a wicket from the very first ball caught at slip by Philo.
He went on to show what a threat he will be this year with his pace and aggression, finishing with figures of 3-9 from 7 overs. Chris also made some good friends with one particular Basildon batsmen!
Benfleet’s finest red wine, David Miles Chateau again went about his business in the usual fashion. Lots of dot balls followed by lots of wickets, followed by an ice bath! 3-19 off off 9 overs -Vintage…
After having Basildon against the ropes and quickly 5 down for not many in return they managed to consolidate for a worrying period of time, Basildon’s Lee Stace in particular tried to counter-attack and took it to Gary Steed and Alg. Gaz bowled with great flight and accuracy to pick up 2-13 and the winning wicket, but the crucial victim fell to Alg who removed Stace and showed promise with his pace, finishing with 2-28.
As with all bowlers, good keeping is essential to snaffle those half chances and the “model” Jenks was looking as sharp as ever with a great stumping and catch standing up.
Eventually, Basildon finished on 71 all out from 23.3 overs. Great win home win against a side playing two divisions above Benfleet.
BENFLEET CRICKET CLUB Benfleet 1st XI Batting
142 for 10
Basildon Bowling
Basildon Batting
71 for 10
BENFLEET CRICKET CLUB Benfleet 1st XI Bowling