Cricket: 2nds Frustrate League Leaders

Posted on August 1, 2011

A strong Open University side were asked to bat first and clearly they hadn't reviewed the league table in racking up 275-6 off 41 overs. With the Bray struggling at the foot of the table and an average score of 140 this season, it was somewhat surprising that the declaration didn't come some 10 overs sooner.

Kerins with 5-45 and Green with his first league wicket slowed the runs a little but the damage had been done by Lall who hit 135 in an opening stand of 192.

Bray started poorly and were soon reduced to 47-3 which could have been worse if Gypps hadn't been dropped in the 1st over. He and Kerins then dug in for some 35 overs to save the game, Gypps finishing unbeaten on 66 with the latter out for 57.

Open University refused to 'dangle the carrott' by having men situated on the boundary at all times even though the runs were never going to be an issue. Regularly bowling wide of the stumps also assisted the Bray in the battle for this draw. OU are certainly a good side, but a little more invention may have brought them more reward - this may well cost them the title.

The Bray moved off the bottom of the table with this draw and are starting to show the kind of spirit they will need to avoid relegation.

Scorecard

• Result: Open University CC - Saturday League XI WDNW 50
• Date: Sat 30th Jul 2011
• Start Time: 13:30
• Ground: The OU Pavilion
• Type: League : Four Counties Cricket League - Division 3
• Scoring: Standard
• Toss: 2nd XI won the toss and decided to bowl
• Highlights: OUCC- Basil Lall 135, Tom Richens 50. Eaton Bray- Andy Gypps 66NO, Darren Kerins 57 and 5/45.

Source: Eaton Bray Cricket Club