Selling

Match Report

Selling provided a second ‘new’ opposition for 2014, and it proved an excellent fixture with fortunes swinging back and forth all afternoon. The Stragglers set off at a good pace with Carl Brown (18) and Harry Pattinson (37) lending support to Ralph Taylor. Ralph went on to carry his bat for an undefeated 107, certainly, at 15, the youngest Straggler to notch up a second century for the Club. However, the middle order could not maintain the momentum, and Selling proved adept at keeping Ralph away from the strike, happily conceding singles with a ring of boundary fielders. 200 for 7 from 40 overs just did not seem quit enough.

The Selling opening pair were making light of the task (in between wides from the MB) and it became clear that something special would be needed to get the Stragglers back in the game. And something very special was duly provided by Carl, apparently floating well above the boundary to take a truly miraculous catch (what has happened to Straggler fielding?). Even with the breakthrough Selling were half way to the target at the drinks break, and only one wicket down. Henry Forster, on debut, then winkled out two in 2 balls, and began the squeeze. With Will Renwick bowling moon balls from the other end, the required rate rose from 5 to 6 and up to 8. Risks were taken; wild swipes turned into wickets, and then a couple of run outs. Harry and the Chairman held the line at the death, and victory was duly achieved.