Week 1

Buckland St Mary – Away 

 

Traditionally this game is called off due to a water logged outfield, so it was to skipper Carl Woodley’s surprise the game was on, no questions asked.

Now according to some sources I have in the 2^nd XI the outfield still had puddles, the grass was long and the wicket was under prepared, but the game still went ahead. 

Over Stowey batted first, with Dan Butson promoted to open the innings. Now looking back at last season, yes he has improved on the previous season, so promotion was well in order. I am led to believe Rhys Satchell would off opened, but he was nursing a quite severe hang over from Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club’s end of season presentation evening and didn’t quite make the game, so Dan opened with Tom Davison instead. I am also led to believe Rhys is sporting a beard, in the style of WG Grace perhaps? Well we will soon find out. 

 

The batting went well for a while, to about 2.35 (start time 2.30), the wicket started to tumble. The skipper had the honour of hitting the first six of the Stowey summer. Unfortunately this was not enough, as the 2^nd XI succumbed to 70 all out.

Carl took some positives from the batting performance, saying that they are on the board, with one point for the season. With the home side chasing 70, I think Carl was being realistic and one point was all they were going to achieve on the opening day of the 2014 season.

The home side took no time in knocking off the runs required, with Lee Rich claiming the only wicket to fall. Thus only one point achieved.

With the game over quicker than usual the 2^nd XI travelled back to headquarters to watch the end of the 1^st XI game to see what they can learn from them. But instead the 1^st XI suffered also suffered defeat, but in different circumstances, losing by 19 runs. But they did drop 13 catches!

So it seems that practice this week will be all about the three fundamental things about cricket, batting, bowling and fielding. 

Speaking to Carl at the Social Club after, he did say that they had one more point then this time last season, and he hopes to have more players available for next weeks’ game against Milverton. Me included? I don’t think so; I will just concentrate on my umpiring, scoring and cider – my three fundamental things.

 

Here's to next week then, cheers!