Energy Exiles Cricket Club

Stand-in captain, Mark Bradshaw won the toss and elected to field in order to take advantage of a damp conditions. Bradshaw's decision seemed to be vindicated early on as the ball seamed and swung all over the place. The notable characteristic of Innings in 1997 was their kamikaze approach to batting. However, the two openers seemed to be doing their best to destroy that image as they laboured at less than two runs per over against Jeff Hilson and Naren Patel. In fairness though, their caution paid off as they began to increase the tempo before the wily medium pace of Nick Creak made the breakthrough when he bowled the Innings captain for 36. Both Creak and Bunton bowled well to restrict the free-scoring Innings middle order, with Bunton picking up a wicket courtesy of a good stumping from John Priestland. Quentin Davies also took a wicket, dismissing the limpet-like opener. However, the fireworks were yet to come as the Innings No.5 entered to hit 50 in about six overs, including a huge six that cleared the fence and hit the flats over the mid-wicket boundary. Innings closed on 180 for 5, with the last two wickets falling to run outs. This was an excellent score in the conditions. It should be added that the Exiles had no luck, as many shots just cleared fielders and one or two hard chances went down.

 

Despite the Innings strong total, the Exiles began their innings with good hopes of reaching the target. Batting conditions were improving and the Exiles had a strong batting line-up. Keith Roberts and Mark Bradshaw made a steady start of 25 against some fiery fast bowling from the Innings half-centurion, before Keith Roberts was caught behind off a leg-cutter from the accurate Ivan Ayup. This brought Nick Creak to the crease, who got off the mark with a comfortable single. The fast bowler greeted Nick with a wicked bouncer, following it up with a good length ball that shattered the stumps. Although dismissed by a good piece of bowling, Creak did not help himself by attempting to play the good length ball standing next to the square leg umpire. I fear that Nick has been in America too long; such batting tactics may pay off in baseball, but not in cricket.

 

John Priestland managed to survive a very fast first ball, and, with Bradshaw, looked capable of helping the Exiles reach a respectable total, before Bradshaw played on for 18. Kristian Armstrong and Robin Airey quickly followed as it looked as though the Exiles might be routed. However, Jeff Hilson played surprisingly solidly for 16, after Priestland was out for a hard-fought 23. Jeff's tactics to shield himself from the quick bowler were questionable, however. Quentin Davies and Naren Patel batted very well to get the Exiles a draw, the only blemish being Naren's slog off the last ball, which meant the Exiles closed on 87 for 9.

 

The Exiles remain unbeaten. This was very much a struggle against probably the best side they have played this season. However, without the Innings star all-rounder, the two sides would probably have been evenly matched. John Priestland, as top scorer, wins the Man of the match award.