Week 13

Hemyock – Away

With any luck the recent 2^nd XI game against Hemyock will be the last game I will miss this season. Admittedly the last three weeks I have missed were unavoidable, but my thoughts were for the Stowey lads taking the field on Saturday, how hot was it?

So what happened last weekend, well the 2^nd XI hit more runs than the 1^st team and they hit more runs than last week, however they still lost, whereas the 1^st team, who scored less, won.

What is evident from the weekend, in fact the whole season, is that Stowey are crying out for a couple of decent batsmen, a couple of guys who can bat through 30+ overs to post a competitive total. There are bowlers a plenty, and the fielders back up the bowlers, albeit the first game of the season when 13 catches were shelled.

Stowey now boast some of the best facilities in the area to play cricket, and with a newly artificial wicket recently installed, everything is there to help, train and improve player’s ability, especially the batting. Somehow my attempt to attract two Taunton Deane players on Friday night at the County Ground was not that successful, even my offer of as much cider as they can drink after the game was a bit futile.

Back to what happened at the weekend. The 2^nd XI batted first, to the relief of Carl no doubt, firstly because it was very hot, and secondly Hemyock is nearly in Devon! A much better performance batting display than the previous week as Stowey almost doubled what they scored against Kilve, amassing 95 runs. Hemyock knocked them off with the loss of only two wickets.

However, trying to pick some positives out of the performance, the Super Two’s picked up three valuable points, moving them off the bottom of the table. So there we have it, three positives from the trip to Hemyock: a better batting display, three points amassed and no longer bottom of the league – things are looking up guys, so who’s next? Ah!!!!!!

Over the weekend there has been some great individual performances and Over Stowey 1^st XI bowler Gary Thomas had exceptional bowling figures in their win against Bridgwater Pointers on Saturday. 3.5 overs bowled, two maidens, four runs and six, yes six wickets taken. Exceptional stuff Gary, surely that makes you favourite to win an award at the presentation night.

Somerset’s James Hildreth and Lewis Gregory dragged Somerset from the jaws of defeat to a very unlikely victory on Sunday against Durham in the 50 over competition. Needing 312 for victory Somerset were 21-3, then 106-5, the home side was staring down a barrel. Gregory joined Hildreth in the middle, and set about smashing the Durham attack all round Taunton. A 70 ball century from Gregory ensured victory for Somerset with 20 balls to spare.

Lewis Gregory can consider himself unlucky not to be picked for the England Lions. 2014 has been a remarkable season for Lewis, taking wickets for fun and now scoring runs, surely his call up is not far away. On that note, congratulations go to Craig Overton in his call up to the Lions squad.

Lastly, well done Somerset, as they will be holding a beer and cider festival during the four day game against Warwickshire later this month. I think I will need a lift in to work those days!

Time for a Thatchers me thinks, with TMS in the background, sitting in the back garden thinking about mowing the lawn.