SJFCC 126/5 (20 overs)SDWP 73/7 (20 overs)
Top performers:
T Hargreaves – 27 runs, 2 wickets
D Hoskins – 26 runs
P Kenchington – 25 runs (on debut)
I Hazon – 2 wickets
Rain affected the venue of this game, being hastily rearranged from Sandrige to Verulamium Park. The Sad Dads arrived buoyed by a drubbing of Marshalswicket, whom they skittled for 22 earlier in the week on the same pitch. And when they did all finally arrive the toss was dispensed with and Fishers invited to bat first.
A very solid start from Hoskins Sr. and Ramsey laid the basis for some great scoring, with 3 of the top 4 batsmen going on to retire. Hargreaves showed some fluidity out on the sponge pudding surface, while Kenchington showed a willingness to improvise and hit the ball hard. Both effective methods. Hoskins showed the value of coaching, which has allowed him to avoid running as much as possible. His 26 runs came from 8 scoring shots, 5 of which were boundaries. The remaining batsmen began their seasons. Except Boughton Jack, who took aim for a trophy this season with a golden duck. The Dads had saved some bowling for the later overs and the rate slowed, although it was agreed a par score had been reached well before the close.
Fishers’ first over was bowled by Hazon, who claimed a career-first wicket maiden, only to find that the scorers had decided between themselves that a wide was bowled. Nevertheless, the Dads started slowly with 13 from the first 4 overs, losing 2 wickets. The bulk of their runs were scored in the middle overs, with a retiree batsman, although Fishers kept a tight grip of the game. Late wickets and straight bowling meant the chase was never close, with skipper Hargreaves closing the innings with a LBW for which he didn’t appeal.
A good start for the Mighty Fishers, and one less game to play ‘there’. Hopefully the weather can cheer the f*** up a little and we can enjoy some more.
