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After a week of torrential rain the prospect
of playing cricket seemed improbable, but thanks to a dry sunny spell and
the efforts of groundsman Roy Mayo the green seconds entertained struggling
Bromyard.With thunder clouds circling the ground it was important that the
green won the toss but as in the previous eight weeks the green lost the
advantage and were asked to bat first again.
Openers Mark Hooper and James Scullion put on 65 for the first wicket before
the improving Scullion was out for a well constructed 25, this brought Tim
Clarke to the wicket, he struggled to come to terms with the conditions at
first, but after playing himself in he started to stroke the Bromyard attack
to all parts of the ground.The threatening weather called a halt to
proceedings and the covers were put in place, luckily only the edge of the
storm affected the northend lane pitch and play was resumed with out loss of
overs. The Hooper Clarke partnership had taken the green onto 130 off 33
overs when Mark Hooper was second wicket down for a fine 72 , he had struck
some fine shots but also had survived a couple of dropped catches at long
off, Jez Clarke joined his namesake and quickly got into his stride with a
big six off his legs,Tim Clarke was bowled by Tompkins for 75 a classy
innings after showing early respect to the conditions he ended up playing
his usual fluent shots.Paul Yorke Joined the greens late over onslaught he
struck two massive sixes over the trees and into the road before he became
Tompkins fourth victim, Tom Clack continued to rotate the strike until he
too perished to Tompkins, it was left to Clarke and Lewis Hooper to pile on
the runs against a now demoralised Bromyard attack, the Green amassed 288
for 5 with Jez Clarke undefeated on 43 and Hooper on 18.For Bromyard S
Tompkins bowled 18 overs and finished with 5 for 77 taking all five of the
green wickets to fall.
In reply Bromyard were always struggling against opening bowlers Sam Spencer
and Tom Clack, they both took an early wicket and after 13 overs Bromyard
were in trouble at 28 for 2, the visitors decided not to make an effort to
score the runs or to try and gain the extra points for a losing draw.Tom
Banks on his debut bowl for the seconds took the wicket of Purser, Lewis
Hooper also took a wicket as the game seemed to be heading for a boring
draw. The return of the rejuvenated Sam Spencer livened up proceedings,
bowling with great pace and control on the now batsman friendly pitch he
took two wickets in successive balls, leaving the visitors six wickets
down.The green managed to buy another wicket to gain another bonus point,
but had to settle for another winning draw, Bromyard finished 170 for 7
having batting out for most of the 50 overs,D Benbow carried his bat for an
uninspiring but effective 56no.The pick of the bowlers was Sam Spencer who
bowled 18 overs taking 3 for 30 including 8 maidens. The Green gained 17
points and Bromyard 4.
A special thank you to matchday sponsors "THE RED LION AT POWICK"
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On a sticky day with thunder clouds looming
league leaders BGCC faced second placed rivals Lye at the Lye recreation
ground. Upon winning the toss the home skipper elected to bowl first and
following a shower five minutes before play the game got underway almost on
time.
The Green lost opener Rich Williams early
and cheaply to Iqbal and it was left to Golder and Paddock to build the 1st
major partnership of the innings. Despite difficult conditions the pair
prospered from some indifferent bowling and forged a useful stand. When
Paddock departed for a quite brilliant 50 to be replaced by skipper Smedley
the total looked healthy. Golder's rich vein of form continued and he played
arguably his best innings of the season to reach a beautifully compiled and
patient 75.
Iqbal with 3-82 and Ishtiaq with
2-59 were the pick of the bowlers for the home side but on a difficult
wicket their economy rates were perhaps a little on the high side.Late order
hitting from Harris(26) and Ford(17*) posted a total of 215 for the home
side to chase off 49 overs.
Lye were agressive in their approach
however struggled to build vital partnerships to threaten the visitors
total. Hoogstraten was the pick of the bowlers, a constant threat during a
mammoth first spell of 21 overs picking up 7-55. Ford provided fantastic
support with severe turn from the other end and picked up the vital wicket
of Hussain brilliantly caught at the long on boundary for 54 by Tim
Williams.
Despite sustained pressure the Green
however could not capture the important tenth wicket but will be delighted
to have taken 18 points away from a game against their closest rivals.
BGCC 215-8 18 points Golder 75,
Paddock 50
Lye 130-9 4 points Hussain 54,
Hoogstraten 7-55, Ford 2-25.
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