farningham cc vs lamorbey park cc
Match Report
Sunday saw the squirrels travel to Farningham for the second time in three weeks.
After Lloyd unpegged his tent and took his gas stove away from the square after his last innings at the ground, the skippers got the all clear to toss up. Surprisingly, the skipper called wrong and the squirrels were asked to field first.
Well that’s what ten squirrels thought, however Oscar came out to umpire and was left in a state of shock when he was asked to put his beautiful stones back in his bag and help field.
Debutant Ben Westmacott (1-31) and clubman of the year 2022 Andy Hall (1-31) got the squirrels off to a great start and both bowled with superb discipline on an unforgiving deck and outfield.
The oppo then got to grips with the deck and started to mount what looked like was going to be a mammoth total.
However, bowling the latter overs of the innings, Harry Sampson (4-35) and Kev (3-26) were both quite simply superb with Harry arguably deserving a five for. Also you could be forgiven at times to think Kev was bowling in a cape as he quite rightly told everyone when cleaning up a lower order batsman that he will do it himself and doesn’t need any help getting wickets.
Farningham set the squirrels a tough but achievable 229 for victory.
Lloyd (1) and Kev (26) opened up for Lamorbey with Lloydy unfortunately being given out to a high full toss and not capitalising on his day one knock.
Another debutant, Tom Weston (35) then strolled to the crease and immediately looked like he could play although it was apparent, he’s used to quicker bowling, but for someone who hasn’t picked up a bat in 5 years, he looks like a serious addition to the squad.
Woodsy (35) and Hobbsy (30) both provided some hefty blows before both giving catching practice and should both of gone on.
Neil “The Calm” (41*) and Howesy “The Adonis” (45*) then joined each other at the crease and needing 90 off ten overs, the task ahead looked tough.
However, with calm heads and fantastic running between the wickets, the pair put panic within the oppo and the chase was most certainly on.
With three overs remaining and all results looking possible, we needed 26 off of 18 balls. Some superb hitting from both Neil and Howesy in the next two overs, saw us needing 6 off the last over in another nail biter.
However, after a glorious cover drive for four from Neil off the third ball, the scores were level and we won with a wide down the leg side with the next ball.
It was a truly memorable day not just for the cricket, but the numerous fines and laughs had throughout the day. If only every game was that enjoyable.
Player of the match - Howesy
Fine of the day - Oscar
