Provender

Match Report

Provender is a new fixture for 2009, on wonderful ground created by Graham Smith, a very generous host indeed. Provender elected to bat, their opening pair untroubled by some hostile bowling from Harry Thompson and Charlie Munton, and cruised to 100 in the 17th over. The partnership was finally broken by specialist catcher Matt Smallwood, but matters didn’t really improve. Jonathan Neame was hit back over his head for a number of monster sixes, but did win that personal battle, having his tormentor caught behind. Provender closed on 249 for 4 from 35 overs.

The Stragglers kept up with the required rate until the death, with Matt (68), Harry (41), and Jonathan (32) all contributing to a strong position closing on the target, at 196 for 4 from 27 overs. Harry’s rush of blood let in the Straggler tail, which proved a costly mistake. None of the final five batsmen troubled the scorer, with a collapse of epic proportions – 8 for 6 in 4 overs. Provender surprised themselves winning by 45 runs.