Ditchling 1st XI draw with Fletching 1st XI
Horscroft hits stunning century but Fletching unable to secure victory !!!!
Ditchling 1st XI v Fletching 1st XI
Saturday 7 July
Toss won by Ditchling who decided to field
Once again, the winning of the toss was vital to the outcome of thegame as Ditchling inserted their visitors, Fletching. Within the first 4 overs both openers, Russell and Hoadley were back in the pavilion having been dismissed by Atkinson and the score looked decidedly unhealthy at 14 for 2. Batsman, Rory Budden then could not control a delivery that lept up at him and it just fell short of 3 fielders. The batsman to come were waiting anxiously to see what was coming next.
Well they needn’t have worried because Grant Horscroft and Budden produced a magnificant partnership of 178 for the 3rd wicket. Both players had their luck but they also hit the ball hard to the boundary when it was short and wide. The outfield was very wet and the ball struggled to reach the boundary on many occasions. Horscroft did very well to run as many singles and threes as Budden pushed on. Budden eventually fell to the impressive Atkinson for a stylish 65. Randle fell LBW without playing a shot for 0 and Lucas joined Horscroft. After adding 30 runs to the total, Grant was bowled for 114 by Collard. Terry Lucas ( 12 ), Meacher ( 3 ) and Mat Lucas ( 8 not out ) moved the score onto 235 and a good declaration.
Pick of the bowlers was Atkinson 14 – 4 – 67 - 4.
In reply Burns and Norfolk added a quick-fire 86 as Budden and Hooper were given the new ball. Lucas and the ever younger looking Potter were brought into the attack. Norfolk only really dealt in boundaries but tried to hit out once to many and was caught by Meacher at mid-wicket for 62. Then Burns was given out LBW which did not please him much. Atkinson ( 20 ) fell in the same manner and the home side were 117 for 3. This brought C Atkinson and Searle together. Fletching’s groung-fielding could have been better as chances were missed and these 2 moved the score onto 164. Atkinson ( 31 ) was bowled by Lucas and Meacher caught Atkinson ( 31 ) in the deep. Now the score was 188 for 6 and Fletching sensed victory. 3 wickets fell quickly, the last the batsman attempting to pick up their last batting point. Unfortunately the earlier chances had not given Fletching the time to get the last batsman out as the home side finished on 204 – 9 wickets.
Pick of the bowlers was Potter ( again ) with 4 – 63 and Lucas 5 - 76
Fletching 19 points drew with Ditchling 17 points