Runs Galore as Bray Go Down Fighting

Posted on June 15, 2009

After being put in the field, Bray gambled by opening the bowling with the spin of Jones against the free hitting and big scoring run machine Lucky Singh. Singh duly smashed a quick fire 20 before launching Jones high into the sky. The ball went up, into orbit, did a loop around Mars before falling into the safe hands of Harvey.

New boy Westley caught the other opener on the boundary and when Harvey was presented with a dolly, Simmonds were 52-3 with Jones having claimed all 3, taking his 200th wicket for the club in the process.

Jones was then asked if he wanted to bowl out and he said no! With 3 wickets to my name and 2 new batsmen at the crease, you wouldn't have been able to take the ball off me!

Runs flowed until Westley bowled a beamer at Gear, and no ball was called. McDermid took the catch anyway, threw the ball into Peacock, who took the bails off with the batsmen standing half way down the wicket believing he was safe due to the no ball!!!

When Kerins came on to bowl at the death, Westley remarked that Kerins is not just a keeper. An astute observer that Westley lad. Simmonds ended up with 233.

Openers Peacock and Ruff set about the total in fine style, putting on 72 in 10 overs. Ruff was then out for 1. When Peacock was bowled for 77, out of 85, Bray collapsed to 110-6 and the chase was effectively over.

But Westley had other ideas. A fine array of attacking shots including switch hits and reverse sweeping, got Simmons panicking. Barker was offering good support until the ball hit his pads, and he decided to go walkabout and was duly run out. I would like to call this piece of cricket braindead, but that would be too kind on Barker.

Westley ended on 59 not out as Bray were finally all out for 194. Credit must also be given to the 3 youngsters Charlie, Ryan and Keke who all fielded exceptionally, and brought the average age down to just 23, despite McDermid and Jones playing.

-- Not Just A Keeper

Scorecard

• Result: Simmons CC - 1st XI Won by 37 runs
• Date: Sun 14th Jun 2009 @ 14:30
• Ground: Mentmore Park
• Type: Friendly
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: Simmons CC - 1st XI won the toss and decided to bat

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club