Sparsholt 2s vs Hook 3s Match Report
First game of the season after a shocking April and May weather wise. First toss of the season for new Skipper Clark and the coin landed on the wrong side. No hesitation and we were inserted. Raja and Bye opened up and yes there were a few plays and misses with the wicket giving some assistance to the bowlers and our lack of any game time but wow talk about bat to plan 20 overs in for 70 none down. They finished with 39 and 29 respectively. This responsibility continues through the innings Rizza 23, webby 37, Blandy 24 it was a proper batting unit performance and we finished on 204 off 43.1. On review I should had checked my understanding on full batting points as that was 225 and not 200. Every day is a school day. But wow great base to give something to defend.
Into the field we went. Baby Burgess opened with Clark. Burgess struck after 2 balls 0-1. They shared first 10 and the control was there c.20 runs on the board. 2&3 batted really well before Edris replaced baby burgess and on debut for 3s got his wicket. Edris grew with confidence and for a 16yr old should be very proud. Bye came on for Clark and bowled a very good spell probably deserved a wicket before being replaced by Rizwan who bowled with control through his over’s adding a wicket 97/3. And game in balance. Senior Burgess came on and found big turn, he picked up a great wicket with smart stumping by Simmo. The bowling was switched up, baby Burgess came back and struck twice. Clark came back in and picked up 3 wickets to leave us in control. Rizwan finished it off with final wicket. Our fielding was in the main very good, Simmo ‘Judith Chalmers’ Simpson was immaculate behind the stumps - hopefully he’ll be back in the country for another game soon. Because of the base the batsmen had given them the bowlers could go about their work. The buzz and enthusiasm in the field was fantastic.
Huge thanks to Matt “2Ends” Wyatt who again had to live up to his name, his support of this team is legendary!
And also a big thanks to Sparsholt 2s, Greg their skipper and Adam senior ground staff, that is how you play in the true spirit of the game and were amazing hosts. Plus to produce a pitch like that after all this weather, miracle workers. We wish them well for the rest of the season.
Official Sparsholt CC
Great start, pretty sure there will be quite a few aching bodies tomorrow !
#HookArmy
Clarky