|
|
|
 |
Duffield began their 2003 campaign with a friendly against Allestree at an ice cold Eyes Meadow on Saturday. Captain (Rear Admiral) Sims won the toss and elected to field with Phil (Rodney) Jordan opening the bowling from the pavilion end. After a sedate start, new boy Dave Olsen, who bowled tidily in his opening spell, removed Allestrees buxom opener, who edged a catch to Nick (Max) Bygraves behind the stumps. At the other Matt Sirrell was quickly onto any loose deliveries only to be snared by Hugh Nicholls with a ball that showcased the pitchs tendency for in-different bounce.
Allestrees Australian import, batting at number three, displayed a fine array of shots in an accomplished half century, including one rather large blow into the car park next to the railway line off the bowling of BA Carrazedo, much to the delight of The Ant, he should do well in Division two this year.
The Sarg made full use of all his available bowling options to ensure a collective readiness for the opening game of the league season next week. Dong Jordan, BA Carrazedo and Sims himself all turned their arms over with differing degrees of success, the elder Jordan brother looking especially rusty, maybe something to do with that cake! At the end of the 40 overs Allestree had amassed a score of 175 which appeared to be about par. Duffield had bowled relatively well considering the arctic conditions and the fielding had been effective with the exception of the skipper who faced his own wrath after committing five aberrations. He had threatened in the pre match team talk, to (go down) on anyone who did not get their body behind the ball, quite what was meant by that comment is anyones guess, but I would have to suggest it would need the flexibility of a gymnast to carry out the punishment on ones self.
After a 5-star tea laid on by Max (female incarnation) Bygraves and Mrs Sims, subsequently demolished by Olympic Class Giff, Duffield set about overhauling Allestrees total. The Toffs opened up with Mark (camera phone in the showers) Antill and Rodney (Turner) Jordan. Antill struggled to time the ball in his normal manner and was removed by The Hoe Train as the Trees looked to take the initiative. In at three was local radio celebrity, Chris Mills. He looked at home from the off, striking the ball in customary fashion through the covers and down the ground on his was to an impressive 88 which will surely feature in the 8:30 sport round up. Rodney provided strong support at the other end, defending his wicket in time honoured Pete Turner style before being bowled trying to execute a Weightman style sweep shot off the bowling of Allestrees ageing off-spinner. Skipper Sims, followed shortly after, registering a duck, subsequently followed by an ungainly performance in the White Hart later in the evening.
Dickie Stevenson coming in at number five, joined Mills in the middle as Duffield edged closer to Allestrees 175. Mills eventually fell trying a large heave over the top as the required run rate began to increase.
In at number six was Archie Fry, returning to the side after two years out with a knee injury and self-assembly wardrobe obsession. Never one to shirk a challenge Arch prompted memories of THAT day when he hit the Lullington bowler over extra cover for six to secure Duffields Division One status under the captaincy of Stuart Underwood. He played some effective shots and suffered no after effects of the knee injury that had plagued him in the last year. At the other end Dickie was beginning to find his timing flicking Sirrell over mid-wicket and driving the portly spinner back down the ground on his way to an unbeaten 30.
Some good, tight bowling eventually put paid to Duffields chances of victory but not before new boy Dave Olsen had smashed a couple (chunky) blows to the boundary having replaced Fry , who notched a 30 on his return, at the crease. Duffield eventually ended 5 runs short of victory, the disappointment being outweighed by the signs of a strong team spirit and indications of good form from several players. They will need all of these and more as they embark on what promises to be a challenging season in Division 1 of the Derbyshire League.
Dickie
Related Links:
Duffield 1st XI Fixtures
Duffield 2nd XI Fixtures
Duffield Squad Members
|
|
|
| |
NEXT FIXTURE
2009 season fixtures TBA -
VENUE
DATE
|
|
More Duffield Cricket Club headlines
Support Your Club
Advertising on your club's official
website
Click Here |
Support Your Club
Advertising on your club's official
website
Click Here |
Support Your Club
Advertising on your club's official
website
Click Here |
|
|
Contact SportNetwork.net | Join Us: Official | Join Us: Unofficial | Advertise on SportNetwork.net | Complain | Our Links
