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27/04/2008 - Whitwell CC vs. Fulham Taverners CC
Following the disappointment of the season opener at Aston being rained off last week, there was a sense of trepidation as Whitwell trudged around the M25 to the picturesque ground at the NPL to face Fulham Taverners. In the end though all portents of doom and an afternoon spent in the clubhouse watching the rain come down proved false, as a fall game of cricket was played, albeit 9 men vs 10.
When the game started slightly late, Whitwell were batting first with the familiar opening partnership of Tim and Fearnley. The Tav's opening bowlers were able to get a bit of movement in the air and off the pitch, but weren't looking too dangerous until Tim played inside one and was bowled around his legs. Fearnley was joined at the crease by Jules at around the same time as Fulham's 10th man arrived, who set in for a determined vigil by picking out the newly-increased off-side field with his best shots. When Fearnley departed, Jules was joined by Midders, who set about finding the gaps with considerable more ease as the Fulham bowlers fed his favourite leg-side areas. Soon Whitwell were cruising, the third wicket partnership eventually worth 113 off 17 overs before John departed for 61. Ed had a quick run-out for 7, as Jules failed to allow for the increase in age of his partner, before RJ faced a total of 2 balls for 0. James came in for the last few overs and added a useful 18 - despite running the first one short- and supported Julian who eventually reached 50 after 35 overs at the crease. A painful looking injury to the Fulham bowler ended the innings 4 balls early, Whitwell making 179 for 5 off 39.2 overs.
After a slightly paltry looking tea that in the end proved just about sufficient - as long as you found the meat sandwich plate - Whitwell took to the field, with Ian and Skip opening the bowling in the absence of anyone with a Perm. Good opening spells from both bowlers were rewarded with 2 wickets a piece, as Fulham were immediately on the back foot and struggling to 30 for 4. Sensing that the game was going Whitwell's way, but wanting to keep overs left from the main strike bowlers left from the end, Skip introduced the Arm and debutant James.
While the Arm's 'variety' from one end kept the batsmen guessing (and scoring), James consistent line and length really tied them down, and should have been rewarded with a wicket had Fearnley not spilled it behind the stumps. With the Arm not looking dangerous, Jules was called upon, and it was him that eventually broke the developing partnership, removing the Fulham number 6. From there most things went Whitwell's way, Julian picking up a second wicket shortly after the Fulham skipper top-edged a delivery onto his cheek, and RJ returning from the other end to finally remove Fulham's half-century maker. Skipper returned at the death to pick up his customary tail wicket - caught by John diving forward, and with only 9 Fulham players able to bat, Whitwell won by 58 runs.
Both sides retired to the bar, and the jugs bought by Jules and Midders were much enjoyed, especially by those who'd organised themselves a lift down :-)
Result: Whitwell won by 58 runs
Man of the Match: Midders for a swashbuckling 50 and the first 2 6's and cathces of the season
TFC: Rob's wicket just saves him, so probably TC this week - only 4 runs opening the innings, and bowled around his legs
Tea rating: 4/10 - distinctly average.