29/06/2023
Saturday's 2nd team game saw us travel to the top of the table; Welbeck Cricket Club 3rd's. Some late jiggery pokery, meant the teams saw Alistair William come into the side, for his Saturday debut. Andy Woolvenwas also brought in to see if he could bat on one leg, despite a late attempt from 'I'll play when I want' John Donaldson, to take his spot.
With the usual rock hard deck on show, Captain Lee James was spared making a decision at the toss, when he called wrong.
Grassmoor were asked to field. The suncream was required for the 40 overs in the field.
Rhys Evans (1-25) started brightly with the ball, striking with the 4th ball. The aforementioned suncream caused, fellow opening bowler Tom Bond, a few issues gripping the ball. Welbeck managed to improve from the early wicket before Darren Greaves (3-32) was added to the attack and picked up 3 wickets, including the dangerous Haynes-Greenwood (42 from 49 balls), who clipped a full toss straight to Ali, who snaffled a great catch.
Both Dazzler and Rhys keep the lines tight, and were ably supported by Malc Jelley (0-14 off 6).
At 84-4, Welbeck opener Turner (72 not out) was joined by Parker (40) and both looked to raise the tempo.
Joshua Wright and Scott James joined the attack but were unable to make big inroads as Welbeck added 68 for the 5th wicket.
Both bowlers were unlucky throughout, with a few chances falling between fielders.
Scott managed to remove Parker, however, Welbeck continued to attack adding an unbroken 56 partnership with Turner supporting Briton (32 not out).
Tom Bond managed to return for the last couple of overs to prove the suncream theory, as he kept it a much tighter line.
A final score of 208-5 was a good effort from both sides, with a fast outfield helping.
In reply, Lee James opened with Andy Woolven, racing to 35-0 after 4 overs.
Unfortunately, the wickets began to tumble and Grassmoor fell to 72-9 as Welbeck made it hard work to score runs.
Final pair Tom Bond (35) and Malc Jelley added 51 to give some respectability to the total.
Despite the an 85 run defeat, it was fine margins which decided the result and there is definitely more in the tank.
Skipper Lee James, certainly has plenty of ammunition in the armoury, hopefully, to start picking up the wins soon.
Chesterfield Orthodontics man of the match was too hard as all had a good game.
So... I'm going to use it as a shameless plug for Sunday's charity game. Everyone is welcome and if you want to say hello, I'll be the one with the rum in hand.
