|
Chetnole
v White Horse Home 22 April
07
The
first game of the season and the Chetnole Oval looked a picture after much
hard work by the groundstaff, in particular Rooney the roller.
A glorious afternoon was honoured with the traditional visit of Mr
Precipitation, fortunately only his light offspring as a few drops greeted
the Chetnole openers, Dai Maude
and Alex Healey.
A confident start against strong local rivals was undermined as Dai
failed to add significantly to his world record collection of dots and
started the season with a blob followed shortly after by Stu Beasley who
flattered to deceive and led a procession of Chetnole batsmen with only
Alex, 12 and new boy Steve Bown, 36 breaking double figures.
An impressive start by Steve who is a massive addition to the club,
and not in the Jimmer 5 bellies sense.
Skipper Stan was ‘domestically sidelined’ but umpired with
Billy Bowdenesque panache, until tea which was taken 10 overs into the
White Horse innings after the ‘nole collapsed to 89 all out.
However, Chetnole reassured themselves by contributing the poor
performance to early season rustiness, despite the superb net sessions
organised by Bob Healey since Christmas and this did seem to have some
substance as White Horse stuttered to 48 for 4 by the interval.
A fiery opening spell by Neil Spearing
and Steve Bown
was dampened somewhat by Jimmer trying to make a game of it by introducing
the ball to the toes of his boots and the batsmen to the term ‘buffet’
as he went for 15. A superb
tea provided by the ever lovely and reliable Mrs Healey clearly agreed
with the Chetnole boys as they kept the pressure on after the break, with
a tight spell from Stu Beas and 3 wickets each for Neller and Steve.
An early claim for catch of the season added to the pressure but
was just not enough to prevent The Horse staggering over the line with 1
wicket standing. A cracking
start to the season, played in a good spirit and we look forward to the
return at Bradford Abbas in late June.
Score
Board
|