2013 Match Report Eversley

Pyestock Prove Catches Are

Everso Important In Hardworking Draw!

Eversley CC Vs Pyestock CC

Sunday 22nd September 2013

Weather Conditions: Overcast but Sunnier Later

Pitch Conditions: Wicket: Green and damp Outfield: Flat, long, slow.

Match Type: Time

A superb fielding performance preserved Pyestocks total of 180 against Eversley CC this weekend as at times it looked as if defeat may be encountered after a strong start by Kieran Thomson at the top of the innings.

Winning the toss, Neil Butler surprised the Pyestock contingent by electing to bat first in this timed match, another surprise given the influx of 40-over cricket in recent seasons. Jon Ford and Glenn Taylor were restored to the top of the batting order after the mischief of last week’s double header in the Isle of Wight, and instantly looked at ease against the bowling of Shaw and Cooke.

The run rate was good, if not phenomenal on a damp, long outfield and the slow nature of the wicket meant that more often than not, both players found themselves playing too early, stifling the opportunity for run scoring.

Glenn survived two guilt edged chances as catches were put down, as the damp ball proved difficult to grip, but he did eventually fall in the 14^th over as he was bowled by change bowler Webb. It was a breakthrough that the home side needed and they hoped to cash in on the Pyestock middle order.

Unfortunately for the hosts, Dan Heath’s form slowly seems to be returning and he looked confident at the crease as Pyestock stabilised after the loss of Glenn. The new pairing moved the score on well as Pyestock reached 67 for 1 at drinks.

After the break, Kieran Thompson removed Jon Ford for a patient 20 after a good catch by Cooke, and the visitors found themselves 79 for 2.

Jack Bromley was the new man at the crease and started cautiously and was luckey to survive early on as a quicker ball from Colin Webb, deceived the youngster and missed the bails by a matter of millimetres, the bowler can be considered unlucky considering the ball before saw Dan misjudge a reverse sweep that also, somehow failed to disturb the timbers.

Jack then proved his quality to all around with 2 successive maximums into the car park and from this point looked a different player as he rallied to help Pyestock to a decent score. Dan, however was dismissed LBW by Alan Howarth, an inside edge claimed by the batsmen was not considered by the umpires and the number 3 was on his way.

Jack was undeterred however and continued to punish the Eversley bowling as Colin Butler worked his magic in giving the youngster the majority of the strike. Pyestock moved past 150 (considered a minimum score by many) in the 37^th over before Colin was stumped, giving Howarth a second wicket. Neil Butler joined Jack, who had now passed 50, as Pyestock closed on 180 from 40 overs.

The restart couldn’t have been more varied as the first over saw Chris Heath struggle for length initially as Thompson cashed in, but the wicket of partner Edwards was also picked up after the edge was found and Glenn completed a comfortable catch.

This set the tone for Pyestock as the fielding performance continued to impress. Jon Last only managed 5 runs before looping a Neil Butler ball up to Jack Bromley to reduce the hosts to 14 for 2.

Andrew Martin then joined the impressive Thompson at the crease and the mood changed as the pair looked comfortable at the crease and could not be faulted for the approach as Martin steadied the ship, and, one loose drive apart, Thompson looked set for big score.

The intended onslaught didn’t come though, as Thompson drove straight at Chris Heath to claim a vital scalp, as the hosts entered the final 20 overs needing 112 runs with 7 wickets remaining.

Taylor Newcombe followed up her wicket of Thompson by also claiming James Forsyth after yet another catch straight from the top drawer, this time by Jon Ford.

Ben then followed this up with two wickets as the pressure mounted on Eversley, firstly Shaw picked out Colin Butler, and then A.Webb was deceived by the flight and was bowled.

The quality of the Pyestock catching really was proving the difference as Pyestock found themselves with a real chance of claiming the 4 wickets they needed to win the match. Martin was proving an immovable object however and now joined by Howarth, looked to close the game down to a draw.

As the victory appeared to be beyond the hosts, Pyestock gambled on taking wickets with Dan Heath, Jack Bromley, Chris Heath, Pete Harris and Jon Ford all taking turns to try and dislodge the pair over the course of the last 15 overs, but the pair clung on superbly to claim a well deserved draw. Martin, who had batted 35 overs for his unbeaten 39 ended the game almost apologetically by seeing out Jon Ford’s only over, but he did his job well and the spoils were shared.

Pyestock now look forward to finalising a superb season at Peper Harow, whether one or two games are played in the final swanson of the season, remains to be seen, however it will hopefully be befitting of Pyestock CC’s first nomadic season.

Pyestock CC 180 for 4 (J.Bromley 58*)

 Eversley CC 111 for 6

Match Drawn

Pyestockcricketclub.co.uk Man of the Match: Jack Bromley