Fletching Cricket Club

A very strong team performance from the 2nd Xl saw them narrowly miss out on forcing a deserved win on a glorious day at St James’s ground.

On winning the toss, skipper Ali Horscroft had no hesitation in having a bat. This proved a good decision as opening pair Fitzy and Brownie began piling on the runs almost immediately. Trevor in particular took a liking to the spin element of St James’ attack, launching a series of savage sixes over the clubhouse, the road and down towards Ditchling Beacon! Fitzy eventually fell for 40, stumped…or possibly run-out…it wasn’t very close! Brownie was eventually out caught for a wonderfully aggressive 93 from 85 balls.

The momentum of the innings continued with new recruits Charlie and Greg making useful contributions and Clive ending unbeaten on 46 as Fletching amassed 273-4 declared off 39 overs.

In reply, St James were positive for the majority of their mammoth 54 over innings, reaching 100 for the loss of only one wicket, brilliantly run out by Chris Hartup off his own bowling. This despite a hostile spell from Disco Junior, 0-21 from 10 overs, which had the batsman constantly playing and missing. However, the tide turned with the introduction of Greg “wicket taking deliveries” Pickard to the attack as a long hop was hit straight to Junior and then a leg stump half-volley led to a stunning catch by Andy Grant at square leg. To be fair, there was a lot of good stuff in there as well as Greg bagged a five-for on debut. Fletching continued to be very good in the field and when the 8th wicket fell, it became a question of survival for St James’ tail. For the last 10 overs, only 4 byes were scored as the fielders crowded the bat. Hartup yorked St James’ number 10 with 3 overs to go but they held out to close on 191-9. Fletching 19 points. St James 12.

Sorry if I’ve got any figures wrong there - no scorebook with me! Fisky.

Rye 1st XI v Fletching 1st XI -Saturday 2 May 2008

Toss won by Rye who decided to bat

Recently promoted Rye made a very positive start to their innings on a good lookling pitch. Whilst Hamilton lacked the timing to hit the ball passed the infeld, his partner Cook was very positive from the outset crashing the ball to the boundary every time it was in his reach. Hamlton fell for 22, new signing Saunders doing the damage. Menezes joined Cook and the enjoyed a partrnership of 91 before Cook was bowled by Robbie Savage look-a-like, Tom Crook for 90.

Briley joined Menezes and immediately, runs flowed from his bat as the fletching fielders were spread far and wide. Crook then bowled Menezes for 27. The home side finished with a commendable 184 for 3 wickets.

Top bowlers for fletching were Crook 2- 34 and Saunders 1 – 24.

In return, Fletching showed an attacking response by asking Glen Potter to be a pinch hitter. This lasted 3 balls as he was bowled by one that “kept low” . Greenwich joined Saunders and they both seemed to be in control. Both took the opportunity to score boundaries but were equally watchful of an all spin attack. Having put on 39 as a partnership, Greenwich then was bowled for 23. Captain Terry Lucas joined Saunders who was playing a very mature innings for someone so young. He was particularly savage with ball on the leg side.

Lucas batted well again for his 27. Randle failed to worry the scorers with his 2 and Crook hit a couple of big hits in his 16. However with the score on 115 for 5 there was a sense that the game had gone especially as the new batsman Meacher took 15 balls or so to get off of the mark. At this time Fletching required 70 from 14 overs, a tall order.

However both batsmen got their head down and the runs started to come, firstly with a few scampered singles and then boundaries as the home side began to feel the pressure. Saunders went past his half century and Meacher began to get his eye in. With 6 overs to go Fletching needed 40 to win. However that was not needed as Meacher was able to plunder the Rye attack for 5 fours to in 2 overs to win the game by 5 wickets.

Saunders finished on 71 not out Meacher 33 not out.

Best bowlers were Nelson 2 – 41

Fletching won by 5 wickets
Top bowlers for fletching were Crook 2- 34 and Saunders 1 – 24.

In return, Fletching showed an attacking response by asking Glen Potter to be a pinch hitter. This lasted 3 balls as he was bowled by one that “kept low” . Greenwich joined Saunders and they both seemed to be in control. Both took the opportunity to score boundaries but were equally watchful of an all spin attack. Having put on 39 as a partnership, Greenwich then was bowled for 23. Captain Terry Lucas joined Saunders who was playing a very mature innings for someone so young. He was particularly savage with ball on the leg side.

Lucas batted well again for his 27. Randle failed to worry the scorers with his 2 and Crook hit a couple of big hits in his 16. However with the score on 115 for 5 there was a sense that the game had gone especially as the new batsman Meacher took 15 balls or so to get off of the mark. At this time Fletching required 70 from 14 overs, a tall order.

However both batsmen got their head down and the runs started to come, firstly with a few scampered singles and then boundaries as the home side began to feel the pressure. Saunders went past his half century and Meacher began to get his eye in. With 6 overs to go Fletching needed 40 to win. However that was not needed as Meacher was able to plunder the Rye attack for 5 fours to in 2 overs to win the game by 5 wickets.

Saunders finished on 71 not out Meacher 33 not out.

Best bowlers were Nelson 2 – 41

Fletching won by 5 wickets