Fixture Secretary’s XI

Match Report

The rain arrived at Belmont to dampen the last few overs of the Fixture Secretary’s XI game. Until the soggy end, the match had been one of high quality cricket, with some exceptional stroke play on a good track, bowling good enough to keep most batsmen watchful, and a handful of excellent catches. The Straggler openers of Jasper Smallwood (75) and Paul Taylor (50) put on 120 for the first wicket and set the tone for the innings – watchful care at one end, and aggression at the other. Theo arrived at the fall of the third wicket and in 9 overs, hit 61 of the 70 runs scored while he was at the crease, undoing much of the tight control exerted by his father, and damaging Simon into the bargain. 250 for 5 in 42 overs was a big target.

Charlie Munton and Harry Pattinson set off to chase it down, and there was time enough. James Grant took up the charge, but wickets just kept falling at damaging intervals, as the Straggler attack exerted enough control. Almost all the bowlers shared the spoils, and the end found Matt Smallwood and a bruised Simon Allport holding out in the rain at 205 for 9. 48 overs were bowled before succumbing to the BBQ