Tenterden

Match Report

Under a clear blue Tenterden sky, George BW was under some pressure to continue the fine form on display the previous Sunday, and opened with George Martin. Sadly, George BW (19) edged through to slip, falling just two runs short of his career 1,000. Jasper joined the other George, and was duly applauded on reaching 12, much to the bemusement of the opposition – Jasper had just hit his 3,000th Straggler career run (having gone past 2,000 in 2016). While Jasper (64) and George M (70) were at the crease, anything seemed possible, as they cruised to a partnership of 122. They both, however, fell into the same trap, caught at deep mif-off, and the innings stalled. Harry Reilly, on debut, hit 16, Matt Simpson assayed a reverse sweep to soon and perished; but Al (14) and Theo (23) restored sufficient order for Theo to offer a confident, bold even, declaration at 220 for 7.

Tenterden set off on the charge, the score rattling along at more than 6 an over, Finn and Ed kept at bay; the wisdom of the declaration was being called into doubt. However, Benny is a useful secret weapon, and he induced a false shot, held by Finn out on the long-off boundary. Bowling in tandem Benny (2 for 25) and Theo (4 for 37) increased the pressure, the run rate began to fall, and wickets tumble. 62 for 1 became 84 for 3, and, at 138 for 5, the runs dried up completely. Another milestone passed, when Al completed his 50th wicket keeper dismissal, and then his 51st. Theo did his best to offer unexpected support to Tenterden in the field, as his boots, completely lacking spikes, disintegrated beneath him, but the end came soon enough, as the Chairman tidied up the tail – 143 all out, and victory by 77 runs.