8th May 2010
This year has seen an Influx of new players into the 1st team, Damo Wegener (Overseas from Germany) and Ali Cheyne, considerably strengthening both batting and bowling departments, in the already capable team of all rounders.
Travelling away to Old Basing was going to be a tough first game, but positive vibes were oozing from the players, despite loosing the toss and being stuck into bat by the opposing captain, on a wet, uncovered Basing wicket.
The opening partnership of Noble Jnr and Ali, saw boundaries fly to all parts of the ground, posting 40 runs off 4 overs before Noble (31) chipped one up and was caught at cover. With the new ball still seaming in all directions, Naz and Ali started to create a solid base before Naz was given an unlucky decision caught behind, followed by Ali balls later. Craig then came to the crease looking solid, creaming a boundary off the back foot through covers, however this finesse did not last long. Despite loosing wickets in quick succession the score was looking very healthy, at 5 runs an over. The team where now looking a little shaky before youngster Stevie (30) and Damo (61) came to the wicket and started to build a very mature partnership, punishing the bad balls and making most of the deep fielders for singles. Both were dismissed to then see our very talented tail order finish off the innings at 230 all out off 41 overs
The new opening bowling partnership (Jammer and Damo) seemed to blossom straight away, getting into there stride bowling tight. This saw the run rate creep up over by over, before the pressure became too much with Damo striking out their 2 and 3 in consecutive balls. Jammer was unfortunate not to pick up a wicket, but bowled very well for very few runs. Next saw Noble Jnr and Ali continue to bowl tight, with Ali picking up 2 wickets, bowling with some decent pace and bounce. Chocky behind the pegs could not put a foot wrong taking 3 catches. The run rate now picking up to a tough 9ish an over for Basing. Towards the end of their spell, Basings 4 bat (Wilcox) started to see a football caressing ball to the boundary, splitting fielders. With some poor fielding, 1’s became 2’s and 4’s, releasing the pressure for Basing. Wilcox then hit some massive 6’s to chase down the 230 set by Langley with 3 balls to spare.
On the day we were the better team, loosing was very unlucky, but we will take all the positives and build on them. For next week we see a slightly changed team host Hursley Park up the Manor.
Up the Manor !!
Gay Gay