2013 Match Report: Tadworth CC

Hosts Prove Their Worth,

But Pyestock a Tad Too Good!

 

Tadworth CC Vs Pyestock CC

Sunday 2nd June 2013

Weather Conditions: Warm and Sunny.

Pitch Conditions: Wicket: Dry, Green, Outfield: Green, slow.

Match Type: Limited Overs (40 Overs, 10 Overs per Bowler)

 

Pyestock travelled to Tadworth CC looking to build on a positive performance at The Bourne the week previous. Welcoming back both captain Neil Butler and opening batsmen Glenn Taylor, the hosts were in confident mood and opted to bat first on a warm day.

Lightning however does not often strike twice, but after last week’s early double blow, the same occurred from the start as Pyestock found themselves 1 for 2 within 2 overs, with both Glenn Taylor and last week’s hero Jack Bromley departing for ducks as Smith gained 2 wickets from 2 simple catches.

Jon Ford and Chris Heath set about repairing the damage and did well against the swing bowling of both Smith and Moore from the other end. Cautiously they brought the score up to 40 as well as seeing off the opening pair before Chris was caught behind off a good ball from change bowler Robinson.

Billy Leader and Pete Harris soon came in and followed where the majority of their predecessors had left off by getting caught as Barrat too joined in the party as Pyestock slumped to 71 for 5 and when lynchpin Jon Ford fell LBW to Robinson for an industrious 31 it looked like the Hampshire side were in trouble.

Cleverly though, Neil Butler had not only kept back batting in case of a collapse, he saw a chance to attack, and in himself and Ben Bromley, used the 14 remaining overs to launch a full blooded assault on the Tadworth bowlers to propel Pyestock to a defendable target, a partnership of 114 in so little time was fantastic to watch as the bowling of Barratt, Robinson, Mears, Russel and Moore had little to no answer, Neil finishing 63 Not Out and Ben Bromley agonsisingly on 49 Not out as the Pyestock Innings Closed on 190 for 6.

After a superb tea, Pyestock knew that they had to work hard to ensure victory, as although unlike last week, 10 wickets were not necessary, keeping the runs below 5 an over on a big pitch that on one side consisted of a huge square all the way to the boundary, would be difficult.

Without the bowling of Captain Neil Butler, Chris Heath and Jack Bromley looked to provide a stable start to the innings and despite a few early no balls from Jack, the objective was accomplished with only 20 runs being leaked from the opening 7 overs.

Soon though, Tadworth’s opening pair of of Williams and Ireland began to get on top of the bowling and as the opening pair were replaced by Ben Bromley and Billy Leader, the score approached 50 for no loss. Billy however was bowling well, Ben had the right length to stop the scoring shots, but Billy looked a threat and soon an edge was found on Williams bat, however Neil at first slip didn’t react and the chance went begging. Billy, undeterred however repeated the trick and this time the chance went to Dan in 2^nd slip, who looked as comfortable as anything as Williams departed for 16.

Not to be outdone, five overs later, Neil did hold a catch as Billy really turned on the heat. Dangerous looking Ireland was back in the pavilion and Tadworth wobbling on 71 for 2 after 21 overs.

In what proved to be a real purple patch for the visitors the very next over saw Russell scoop Ben Bromley over extra cover, and as the ball looked safe, Chris Heath took a great catch running away from play to send the number 3 on his way.

2 wickets in 3 overs became 3 in 4 for as Billy Leader raced in again and found yet another outside edge. Neil Butler claiming his second catch as the youngster’s away swing continued to wreak havoc amongst the Tadworth upper order.

At 73 for 4, the home side were now on the rack however Moore entered the arena looking like a man destined to change the game. After surviving a strong appeal for yet another edge off Billy Leader, the strong 15 year old set about rebuilding his team’s chances.

Sharp fielding form Dan Heath at mid-off saw the run-out of Karda who clearly misjudged the power and accuracy of the throw, but the worry was still Moore and the damage he could cause at the other end with Tadwoth only 93 from victory.

After taking multiple boundaries, mainly from Ben Bromley, who was starting to struggle to find the length he bowled earlier in the innings, Neil Butler turned back to Chris Heath to try and dislodge the free scoring middle order batsmen, but needn’t have worried his opening bowler as only one over from his return to the fray, Dan Heath found his edge allowing Glenn Taylor to take the catch every Pyestock player wanted to see, low down to his right.

It was a big blow to the home side and one that instantly lowered the run rate. 76 were needed off the last 11 overs. 4 wickets left became 3 as Chris hit the top of off stump to remove Robinson, gaining revenge for his own dismissal earlier in the day. The re-introduced Jack Bromley accounted for Smith as a miscued shot over the bowlers head produced undoubtedly catch of the day as Billy Leader dived to his right to grasp the ball 6 inches above the ground. A catch of that quality unsurprisingly triggered big celebrations within the visitor’s camp, but the job was not done. Barratt and Mears batted sensibly and positively as they kept Tadworth’s  faint hopes of victory alive. Managing to bring their side to 144 with 4 overs left it was a case of Pyestock pulling out all the stops to keep the ball from crossing the boundary.

Luckily for the visitors their extra hard work in the field which was later heavily complimented by their hosts was to prove fruitful as Dan Heath bowled Mears and last man Robinson to set up a 32 run victory.

It was a very enjoyable first trip to Tadworth and one that Pyestock hope to repeat in the future.

Pyestock CC 190 for 6 (N.Butler 63*)

Tadworth CC 158 All Out

Pyestock CC win by 32 Runs

Pyestockcricketclub.co.uk Man of The Match: Billy Leader