Energy Exiles Cricket Club

Match Summary: vs. Agricola, Sunday, 17 May 2015

Ground: Haydons Road
Captain: Will Kent
Match type: 40 overs
Toss: Agricola elected to bat
Weather: Occasionally sunny
Opposition: Agricola scored: 119 all out (35 overs)
Exiles Score: 120 for 7 (36.5 overs)
Result: Won by 3 wickets
Man of the match: Simon Gundry 25 not out & 2 for 29

An Exiles record had been broken before a ball was bowled when all 11 Exiles players, even Bernard, were at the Haydons Road ground at least 20 minutes before the scheduled 2pm start. We may have actually started a game on time for a change, however the Exiles had not managed to bring any stumps with them, so a 2pm start was once again out of the question.

The game started positively for the Exiles, with Andy Wingfield bowling his entire spell straight up for a miserly 1-12, whilst Ammar Akhtar was also not in the mood for runs, taking 1-5 from his spell of five overs, leaving Agricola in trouble at 12/2 from their first 10. 

Soon after, the recurring theme of the match was set. Taking a quick single, Agricola danger-man Justin became the first casualty of the afternoon, having to retire hurt with a muscle strain. He was soon followed by Exiles bowler Jibs, who seemingly hadn’t warmed up quite enough despite being seen stretching at around 1.10pm. The Agricola middle order put on something of a fightback, aided by the returning Justin landing some lusty blows off the bowling of Simon Gundry despite hardly being able to stand up. Agricola had recovered to 93/3, but Simon had had enough of being hoicked by Justin, and finally won the battle, knocking his off stump down with the batsman looking dangerous on 27.

Some inspired captaincy (or luck, who knows?) saw a change of end for Phil Ling. This change of end, along with some catching practice style shots from Agricola, brought a quick flurry of wickets. Phil and Bernard ripped through the lower order, taking 4-30 and 2-17 respectively. Turncoat Steve Parkinson, strode out to the crease at number 11 for Agricola having been recruited on the sidelines, and Simon sent him swiftly back for a duck, ending the Agricola innings on 119. 

Tea was enjoyable as ever, and the Exiles opened up with Drew Scott-Dawkins and Barry Whiteman. Drew, struggling with an injury picked up whilst walking around in the field, went for a hit out or get out approach, which resulted in an innings you may expect from Alan Mullally, for example. Exiles lost wickets frequently, with Barry Whiteman the pick of the top order with 23, before he was caught by turncoat Steve. Jasper Searle fell for 8, and Craig Williams for 17, although this would have been 21 was it not for Bernard selfishly not bothering to get his elbow out of the way of an on drive.

At 82/6, and a man down due to Jibs’ injury and turncoat Steve batting for Agricola instead, Exiles had work to do. With an injured thigh, and now also elbow, Bernard took the attack to Agricola, scoring at his customary free-flowing pace. Bernard fell for 24, and it was left to Simon Gundry to steer Exiles over the line with a patient and vital 25*, assisted by Ammar at the other end who ground out an equally vital 7*.

In a game which saw almost as many injuries as double figure scores, the Exiles had ground out a second win on the bounce, and went off to celebrate veteran bowler Andy’s birthday in the local boozer.

Report By: Craig Williams

Last modified: 11 March 2018 14:31:46. Top of the page