2013 Match Report: Uplands

Glenn Flies to First Ton,

But Uplands Hang On!

Pyestock CC Vs Uplands CC

Sunday 25th August 2013

Weather Conditions: Sunny and Warm

Pitch Conditions: Wicket: Damp and Green Outfield: Green, very slow

A masterful unbeaten 144 from Glenn Taylor, his first century for the club set Pyestock on their way against Uplands this Sunday, but the stubborn visitors once again proved they are difficult to beat and held on for a worthy draw.

Glenn’s score, the joint 5^th highest in Pyestock history, also saw him become the clubs highest run scorer in a single season, as he pummelled six maximums and 13 fours at Peper Harow’s home ground.

Losing the toss and being asked to bat on a damp green wicket, Pyestock were cautious in the opening stages as Jon Ford and Glenn saw off the opening bowlers Waddington and Sewell without too much alarm, but with only 35 from the first 10 overs bowled showed there was plenty in the pitch for ball as well as bat.

Glenn found the bowling of first change Peter Webb more to his liking, and freed his arms sufficiently to allow the runs to flow against Waddington also. It was Webb however, who proved the thorn in the host’s side as his low flighted spin caused problems for the pair, and in the third over of the veterans spell he picked up the wicket of Jon Ford as the Number 1 edged through to the wicket-keeper for a well earned 21.

Paul Heath came out to join Glenn at the crease, and looked to score quickly, however found the going more difficult than the opening duo, but did find the bowling of young Oliver Rowe to his liking, but Webb again turned hero with a straight ball trapping the outgoing record holder LBW for 12.

By this point Glenn however had moved passed fifty and Pyestock were on a healthy 111 for 2 from only 23.1 overs as Chris McGovern entered the fray, announcing himself by slapping Rowe for a maximum from his final ball and from there on in comfortably provided a solid partner for Glenn who was still finding the runs easy to come by, although had slowed to a succession of singles at this point.

A fifth six from a full D.Rowe delivery followed by a single brought the opener to his highest score in Pyestock colours and for the fifth time attempted to convert a ninety into a well deserved century. The next ball faced by the youngster saw all hearts placed in mouths as Glenn tried to drive Webb into the off-side, however skewed up to extra cover where it looked for all the world like the fielder would take the catch and Webb would claim the prize wicket. The chance was not taken however, Glenn scrambled 2 to take him to 99 and a single from the next ball drew sheer delirium as the ton was finally earned.

From this point on, the pressure lifted from Glenn and he and Chris started to turn the screw on uplands beleaguered and wilting fielders. Chandler bowled one over for 17 before Sewell was introduced, and almost immediately forced Chris into a drive that was well caught by King for the bowler’s first wicket.

Two balls later Sewell was unlucky not to claim a further scalp as Glenn again found a fielder with lubricated hands, to move onto 131, and the unlikely but achievable record of 165 was still very much within sight.

Despite best efforts though Glenn fell short of that milestone and the 150 as he finished on an incredible 144 not out as Pyestock entered tea on a commanding 222 for 3.

Despite the impressive display with the bat, Pyestock knew that victory would only come if Uplands could be bowled out, so would have to bowl confidently and aggressively and it worked initially with Chris Heath claiming the early scalp of king after a slower ball was top edged through to Paul Heath behind the stumps. From the opener’s very next ball, a genuine edge looked destined for the hands of first slip Dan Heath, until Glenn Taylor dived and palmed the ball passed the despairing first slip and wicket keeper. It would have reduced the visitors to 9 for 2, but Tyre remained and made the most of his reprieve.

At the other end, R.Waddington was batting well, and planted a huge six over the sightscreen at the pavilion end to show intent towards the visitors intent towards chasing the target, but it was attacking bowling and batting that was making the game entertaining as a spectacle.

Several further near misses involving Ben Bromley (twice) and Pete Harris could have yielded Chris further wickets, but a change in tactic involving coming round the wicket with a short leg in place paid dividends as King was disposed of by a fine catch by Dan Heath.

At the far end, Jack Bromley was bowling well without too much incident, but did force Waddington into a loose shot that was well caught by Jon Ford at square leg. Jack was replaced by his brother Ben in an attempt to force the issue. By the time the youngster had claimed the wicket of Rowe to reduce Uplands to 81 for 4, there were only 16 overs left to claim the remaining wickets.

Taylor Newcombe by this point was into the attack and was forcing chandler and Lunt into playing shots, which with Uplands over 100 away was exactly what Pyestock required. Ben however claimed the next wicket as Chandler was bowled for 12. This sparked a period of real activity as Taylor claimed a wicket as Jack Bromley took a smart catch to dismiss Sewell, but the real headline in the bowling department was the introduction of Pete Harris for his debut with the ball. In his first over he too claimed a wicket as Lunt was trapped LBW.

Stand in Captain Dan Heath and Chris Heath attempted to remove one of the final pairing for 10-man Uplands but as per last season, C.Waddington and Webb held firm to claim a deserved draw.

The match will be remembered for Glenn’s first century and Pete’s first wicket for the club, but the relationship with uplands CC which has hopefully been strengthened further will hopefully lead to more keenly contested friendly fixtures in future.

Pyestock CC 222 for 3 (G.Taylor 144*)

Uplands CC 130 for 8

Match Drawn

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