2013 Match Report Raynes Park Former Pupils

Taylor Teaches Pupils How to Score

In Battling but Entertaining Draw

Pyestock CC Vs Raynes Park Former Pupils CC

Sunday 28th July 2013

Weather Conditions: Sunny but Unsettled and Blustery

Pitch Conditions: Wicket: Dry, green, dusty. Outfield: Green, dry, uneven,

Match Type: Time

On a historic afternoon, which saw Pyestock take the mantle as a “Home” side for the first time since leaving Cody Sports and Social Club, it was almost Glenn Taylor who re-wrote the record books as a season best score of 96 at one stage looked like it would beat all previous records as the hosts shot out of the blocks batting first on Sunday.

The Pyestock opener blasted 15 fours and one six in an innings consisting of only 73 balls to give stand in Captain Paul heath’s side a huge initial advantage against opponents Raynes Park Former Pupils Cricket Club.

Mark Rose’s side, rescuing Pyestock’s weekend by stepping into the void left by Eversley CC in the week, were rocked by two late drop outs leaving them to take to the field with only 9 players, as Jon Ford and Glenn started well against the bowling of Ifti and Kunal. The latter found the going tough against Glenn and was withdrawn after only 2 overs as Pyestock raced to 30 without loss.

The runs continued to flow as the visitors toiled, hampered by the 2 extra gaps in the field and on 11 overs were grateful of the offer of 2 sub fielders to balance the scales. The run rate understandably began to drop as the Former Pupils wrestled a little control back from the game and Ahmed was unlucky not to pick up the wicket of Jon as the number 1 looked uncomfortable against the aggressive short bowling and was fortunate to be dropped twice, fending away to gully.

At the other end, Glenn was seemingly having no such trouble as the runs were added with ease. Further boundaries from Ifti saw the bowler removed from the attack. Abul providing the replacement, but not really a change as Pyestock continued to pile on the runs.

Jon was beginning to settle back down and helped himself to boundaries from both bowlers and by the 19^th over the score was brought to 106 with the Pyestock contingent opening talks about a potential huge score to defend.

Suleman was introduced to the attack as the former Pupils rolled the dice once more and the bowler had a huge LBW shout turned down, as they continued to push hard for that elusive wicket. In the 23^rd Over, Mark Rose introduced himself to the attack with some effective spin to bring a new dimension to the bowling, and with his fourth ball it did the trick. Glenn, having just gone past his best score for the club tried to get to three figures with a pull into the leg side only to pick out Abul in the deep. Glenn’s contribution for 96 at a strike rate of 131.5 was a joy to watch and had put the hosts into a strong position; the youngster could not however hide his disappointment at again falling so agonisingly short of his maiden century.

Rose was bowling well, and despite new man Jack Bromley dispatching him back for a straight six, had both Pyestock men under control with his persistent line and length, and in the 29^th over, again found the wicket his other bowlers could not as Jon was stumped for a patient 34. An extra slow delivery deceived the opener as he came down the track and was in trouble as soon as he had failed to make contact. Rose was proving a true thorn in Pyestocks side by this point and Jack was next to fall to the impressive captain. Again a slower delivery produced a loose shot and Suleman snapped up the catch.

Pyestock were now 157 for 3 and new batsmen Dan Heath and Vaughan Newcombe were tasked with restarting the innings. Dan however could not settle and was bowled uncharacteristically by Taz for 3.

Chris McGovern entered the fray and marked his arrival with a boundary off of Rose as Pyestock looked to add vital extra runs in the closing stages.  Ahmed was reintroduced, replacing the main antagonist Rose and picked up a deserved wicket, bowling Vaughan who added a vital 24 at almost a run a ball.

Ben Bromley then added a swift 21 to take Pyestock over 200 for the first time since the trip to The Bourne. Raynes Park Former Pupils would require 227 for victory.

The reply got off to a poor start however as Pete Harris clung onto an impressive catch to remove Ifti for a duck as Billy Leader struck. Suleman and Ahmed began to rebuild well with an impressive run rate and once Billy had bowled Suleman a little relief drifted through the home team. Ahmed and new man Taz were in no mood to back down however and continued to punish the poorer balls. Chris Heath who was struggling with a heel injury was withdrawn early as Jack Bromley was charged with finding further inroads into the impressive looking visitors batting line up.

Ahmed was playing well and fed off Jacks pace to help himself to boundaries at regular intervals. Taz however looked assured and played Billy well to keep the Former Pupils in the game.  The score passed 50 in the 12^th over and the game was in the balance. As the destructive duo continued to strike any poor balls hard, Taz in particular proved extremely quick between the wickets with some impressive running kept the scorers busy.

 Dan Heath was introduced to take the pace off the ball and started to lower the run rate, Jack however found the much needed breakthrough. Ahmed departed for 43 after pulling the youngster over mid wicket, Chris McGovern producing a great catch to give Pyestock their third wicket.

Two balls later the visitors were four down as D’Rizario was caught behind to reduce the score to 92 for 4 with 19 overs left.

Ilwhal entered the arena and settled in quickly, supporting Taz well as once again wickets proved difficult to find. As the overs ticked down though it became increasingly obvious that the target was out of reach for Mark Rose’s side and a draw was the most likely result. Pyestock pushed hard however and with 8 overs left Dan picked up the prize wicket of Taz as Jack took a fine catch, the bowler gaining revenge for hi s earlier dismissal by the visitors number 4, who batted very well for his 46.

As Pyestock pushed hard for the remaining 3 wickets the field came in. Billy was reintroduced from the pavilion end to try and finish the game off, and removed the stubborn but aggressive Abdul for a brisk 27 (from 17 balls), which at one stage was in danger of reducing the run rate to a gettable level.

A draw it was though as Ali and Ilwhal saw off the remaining overs. Glenn Taylor was afforded a bowling debut in an attempt to tempt the batsmen into loose shots but temptation was resisted and a fair result was obtained. Two good batting displays saw over 400 runs scored and only 11 wickets falling on a difficult day for bowlers. Very enjoyable and we hope to cross paths with the Former pupils in the future.

Pyestock CC 226 for 5 (G.Taylor 96)

 Raynes Park Former Pupils CC 183 for 6

Match Drawn

Pyestockcricketclub.co.uk Man of the Match: Glenn Taylor