Sandwich

Match Report

The Sandwich opening bat did not have the best of days, very nearly having his head removed by a Mark Baker White beamer first up, and then being caught by a leaping Chairman at mid-on from the second. The electric Straggler start deteriorated somewhat, as Sandwich tucked into the Boulangerie and every other Straggler delicatessen to put on 180 for the second wicket. A large keep net was required for the balls rescued from the ditch. Wickets finally fell to some good catches in the deep by Jasper Smallwood and Jake Ward, really a result of carelessness as much as bowling prowess. Sandwich declared on 254 for 5, a very gettable target in a fixture that has been lost for a number of seasons.

Manager Matt Smallwood’s team selection had been undone on Saturday afternoon, when Blair Hart chewed on a ball, broke his jaw and lost a few teeth. Pressure was increasing when last minute call up, James Grant, was held up in the Channel Tunnel. James had been hoping to build on a sound Straggler start, but that was not to be as he was summoned to the crease after one ball, and then saw the other opener fall in the same over. One for 2 was not part of the plan. James steadied the ship, built and innings, and supported by a trio of Wards (Brad, Jake and Angus), the impossible seemed to be on. However, James surrendered after passing his second Straggler century, and the tail dropped anchor in a most un-Straggler like fashion. Only one maiden had been bowled in the first 68 overs; not a run came from the last 7, as Matt and Mark blocked with great aplomb, 162 for 8 at stumps.