Match Report: Crane (H)

Pyestock Stretched by Impressive Crane,

But Lift Themselves to Solid Draw

Pyestock CC Vs Crane CC

Sunday 9th September 2012

Weather Conditions: Hot and Sunny.

Pitch Conditions: Wicket: dry, uneven, Outfield: Green, fast.

 

Pyestock bounced back from last week’s disappointing performance and defeat, to secure a very creditable draw against a strong and impressive Crane side.

Following Old Woking’s withdrawal earlier in the week, Crane stepped in and really forced Neil Butler’s side though their paces.

Batting first, 20 runs were bludgeoned from the first 2 overs as lessons were quickly learnt with regards to the strength of the opposition and the need for Pyestock to raise their game immediately, or face a long hard day. Thankfully the response was instant as Pyestock switched on and countered the obvious threat from opening batsmen Arunjit and Romy.

The third over produced the first wicket of the day as Romy looped an in-swinging delivery to Colin Butler for another catch for the fielder in the covers. Pyestock really tightened the purse-strings, Chris in particular, with five consecutive maidens working hard to lower the run-rate that had started off so freely.

By the time 10 overs were bowled in the Crane innings, a complete turnaround in fortunes had occurred with the bowlers and fielders in the Pyestock ranks on top form as 20 without loss became 27 for 4 with Neil adding to his earlier wicket by bowling Arunjit for 24 in a wicket sandwiched between Chris removing both Wahid and Chaz leaving the visitors struggling.

This flurry of wickets did however bring the impressive Mohit to the crease, who after ensuring he was comfortable started to add runs to his and his teams score. Partnered by Hardeep, they saw off the remaining overs that Neil and Chris had to offer.

Replacement Billy, seemed to unsettle the batsmen however and only 5 balls into his spell, the youngster bowled Hardeep for 24 and produce a crucial breakthrough for the home side.

Unfortunately, an elbow injury cut short Billys spell but Jack Bromley and Dan Heath continued the job as Pyestock’s fielding and bowling continued to impress.

In, what was turning into a high quality battle, Mohit more than played his part, playing sensibly but positively, despite losing new partner Anoop cheaply, bowled by Dan.

This wicket however brought Darshit to the middle and produced was to be the biggest partnership of the match as the pair tried to dominate the bowling and increase the run rate.

Performing well, Mohit moved passed 50 and continued to mastermind the Crane pursuit of a decent score, and at the same time continuing to test every aspect of the Pyestock fielding with impressive running and major blows over the boundary rope.

The running between the wickets however was fast and frenetic, and giving Pyestock cause for optimism, as it looked more and more likely that a run out could be the next wicket to fall.

The next wicket however came from a far more convential approach with Dan beating the defence of Mohit, bowling the youngster for a well-earned 87.

With the very next ball, Pyestocks run-out predictions came true as a brilliant pick up and throw left Darshit short of his ground and within 2 balls, both of the hosts chief tormentors were back in the pavilion and Pyestock could work on the tail. By now, however, significant damage was done with the score 183 for 8.

The last few overs of the innings saw Amo and Harjeevan bludgeon Crane to exactly 200 for 8 at tea, and despite the hefty scoreline, Pyestock were delighted with the fielding performance, and suggesting just how many more runs they could have been faced with chasing.

Refreshed and refilled, Pyestock set about chasing down their target, Jon Ford and Glenn Taylor leading the assault against the rapid Arunjit and spinner Darshit. Despite making a solid start, it didn’t come to surprise many that Glenn was beaten by the pace of Arunjit and set a big dent in the run chase.

This dent was further exacerbated in the next over when Darshit removed Jack Bromley for no score as Pyestock wobbled early. Vaughan Newcombe stabilised the innings with appropriate defensive play, however found it tough to play away the disciplined bowling of the opening Crane duo.

Jon at the other end was having slightly more luck, and was managing to keep the run rate hovering at around 3 an over, allowing the hosts to remain in the hunt, although acceleration would soon be needed.

Unfortunately, as it looked as if the run rate was starting to increase as needed, Vaughan fell, bowled by Arunjit for his second wicket. This brought Colin Butler to the crease, once again charged with a stabilisation project. Faced with change bowlers Romy and Harjeevan, runs started to flow more freely.

Once again however, in more bad timing, just as the innings was settling down, a wicket fell. This time Jon ford found himself caught to give Sharma his first wicket of the match.

Dan Heath entered the fray and looked poised to change the game. With a point to prove took the bowling of Romy to the sword, smashing 14 from the first 3 balls of the 20^th over to show intent that Pyestock still wanted to win the game.

By now however, the match was inside the final 20 over’s and with Pyestock 4 wickets down, and still needing 124 runs, it was going to be a huge ask with Dan’s form with the bat seemingly crucial to the chase.

Sadly, Dan could not continue his assault on the bowling, instead holing out on the boundary for a quick 23 leaving Pyestock 87 for 5 with 15 overs remaining.

Chris McGovern was next to join Colin at the crease, however struggled to find form, and lost his wicket early, an audacious reverse-sweep only finding the hands of Amarjit Sandhu in the slips.

It was a blow that Pyestock didn’t really need, with only 91 on the board and 4 wickets remaining, suddenly thoughts turned to avoiding defeat rather than winning. Neil Butler joined his brother at the crease with thoughts fully aimed on seeing out the remaining overs left in the game.

Kam Kangura was introduced to the attack and bowled well, mainly at Colin, without much reward, the home number 5 watchfully blocking the potentially dangerous balls, while still punishing the odd bad ball and sending it to the boundary. This left Neil to face Amarjit, and employing the same strategy, began to see Pyestock home.

As the overs ticked down, The runs began to creep up, never any threat to the target however as the victory slipped away. Neil was eventually dismissed for a patient 25, however the job would have deemed to have been completed. 7 overs remained and the hosts required 67 for victory with 3 wickets left.

Billy leader dealt well with the re-introduced pace of opener Arunjit in the fading light before falling to Darshit, Colin however stepped up to the plate and managed to fend off most of the overs as he and Mark Padwick saw the match out for a very creditable draw. This was the first draw in a Pyestock match since the final match of the 2011 season against Peper Harow.

This was probably the fairest result as neither side deserved to lose a match that required 100% from all players at all times. Pyestock were truly tested by a talented and competitive Crane side; who are amongst the strongest sides recently faced by Neil Butlers team. A very friendly side however who will be very welcome to a return match in the future.

 

Crane CC 200 for 8 (Mohit Mashar 87)

Pyestock CC 153 for 8

Match Drawn