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A black day in the annals of Concorde Cricket Club, not so much because
we lost, but more the manner of the defeat which was not merely comprehensive
but rather was utterly crushing.
It should be said in mitigation that we were very short of even a half
strength team and Cuddington by contrast appeared stronger than usual.
Nevertheless, our failure to mount any meaningful resistance was disappointing.
Winning the toss on a bright afternoon and being mindful of a weak batting
order I elected to field first and then watched in some surprise as
first Matt Hallam and then Nick Parkinson and Toby Cudworth failed to
find any sort of rhythm and bowled a rash of wides providing Cuddington
with a quick start. Nick then settled and was rewarded with 2 wickets
whilst Ian who had replaced Cudworth Junior immediately found a length
and picked up 2 more to provide him with the 250th wicket of his Concorde
career The dangerous Pearmain unleashed some powerful blows as usual
but mindful of having fallen to my 'guile' in the past was very watchful
and only attacked anything short. To no avail however as he followed
my arm ball and was held effortlessly by Jerry Stockbridge at slip.
At about 100 for 5, we looked in control and although Nick Wright with
2 wickets, Toby Cudworth and Matt Hallam each coming back to pick up
1 each, the tail wagged sufficiently to provide a decent total of around
180.
Our reply began badly with Justin touching his second ball to the keeper
and Nick Wright after making 9 was bowled unleashing a big drive against
Marcel. Jerry Stockbridge then edged one which was superbly caught by
the keeper and I then edged one down the legside, which to my horror
was also taken by the keeper. At this point, we were 23 for 4 which
quickly became 25 for 6 as Doug & Mick Reeve were bowled. Toby and
Matt Hallam then batted very sensibly for 15 overs taking singles where
possible and smashing the occasional 4 which combined with no balls,
byes and wides edged the score to about 45 until Matt was bowled. Cudworth
Junior was then adjudged LBW and returned to pavilion with a face like
thunder matched only by that of his Father who was similarly indignant
when given out in the same manner only a few balls later. (Umpire's
note - In each case, the ball pitched on middle and went on straight
below the line of the top of the stumps. Under the Laws of Cricket that
is, unfortunately, to be given OUT). The innings thereafter subsided
to 60 all out.
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2005 Cuddington H
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