HYTHE & DIBDEN 1ST XI Vs ELLINGHAM

Sat 15th July

Toss Won by : Hythe

HYTHE WIN NAILBITER THANKS TO GROBLER SUPER CATCH

Simon Dixon won the toss and elected to bat as the temperature was 41 degress by the clubhouse.  

Hythe got off to the worse of starts as Kev James was being cleaned bowled by the rapid Shutler
off the 5th ball of the day.  Then Si Dixon joined Rob James, and as last
season steadied the ship with a partnership of 66 in the first 20 overs.
This would have been more but for some fantastic fielding from the
Ellingham side, who through themeselves everywhere on an outfield which
resembled concrete. 

Unfortunately Rob James perished chasing a wide one for a well made 36.  Dixon continued to register his third half century of the season, with excellent support from Simon Wright, adding an additional 40 in only seven overs, before being bowled.  

Shortly after Wright was dismissed in tame fashion, caught at cover for a well made 25.  This brought Dave Guymer and Ben Kendrick to the crease who increased the tempo. Dave hit two massive sixes before departing for 43 off only 21 balls. 

Kendrick was then caught in the deep for a breezy 16.  Then Richie Froggett and Nardus Grobler went to town.  In an excellent partnership of 49 from the last 5 overs. Hythe posted a respectable 233 for 6 off their 45 overs.
Grobler finished unbeaten on 20, but it was Froggett who stole the show finishing on 28 not out without a stupid reverse sweep in sight.

Hythe started in the field at 5.30, but the heat remained the same.  Grobler opened up, but it was Froggett who made the breakthrough.  Firstly having the opened Vail caught behind off the glove, then snaring the dangerous Redfern for only 10.  Backed up by some excellent fielding from all which continued throughout with no missed chances, the Hythe bowlers, particular from Si Wright and, increase the pressure which led to the fall of 2 further wickets leaving Ellingham on 71 for 4 at the half way mark. 

Grobler came back for his second spell, and although didnt add any more victims to his impressive season tally, bowled tightly and conceded only 18 runs from his 12 overs.  A fantastic effort considering his Achilles injury.

Ellingham then had a fightback with the opener Spry and the big hitting Edwards adding 83 in 16 overs before Froggett removed both in the space of three balls, leaving the hosts on 158 for 6 with only 7 overs remaining.

The game looked over with Ellingham requiring 10 an over. This was increased to 68 off the last 5 overs.  Then, the Ellingham batsman Dawkins and Pearson went to town with, admittadly, a fantastic display of hitting.

The next two overs saw 29 runs being scored, before Kendrick cleaned up Pearson, who scored 31 off 13 balls. 

Froggetts last over was then dispatched for 13, leaving him with figures of 4 for 70, and leaving Ellingham needing 17 off the last over in win a gripping game.

Kendrick took up the mantle, and with the first three balls, only conceded 4 runs.  Then Dawkins hit a magnificent straight drive for six.  7 needed off the last two balls.  The next ball, Dawkins repeated the shot, with the ball looking for all the world as if it would claim the maximum, until Nardus Grobler, with speed and agility, dived full lenghh and clung on just inches from the sight screen.  This then left the last Ellingham batsman Shutler requiring a six of the last ball to tie, but he could only
manage a two to deep cover,

A magnificent team effort which highlights the excellent team spirit currently running through the club, ensuring the Firsts won their third game on the bounce.

Innings of : HYTHE 233 for 6 ( 45 Overs )

Innings of : ELLINGHAM 229 for 8 ( 45 Overs )

HYTHE BOWLING