EMWCC II v Hook & N Basics IV

On an unusually hot day for the first game of the season, skip Trev Foreman won the toss and asked Hook to bat first.

Rae Lockyer and young Ethan Brackstone opened with some tight bowling but without any success- and, after 7 overs, the score stood at 21. Ethan, showing great strength through the crease, then had opener Stuart caught at mid-on by Trevor Compton and he and Rae completed their spells with figures of 1 for 13 and none for 18 both off 5 overs.

Ben Stanbrough took over from Rae and young Ollie Freemantle (none for 18 off 7 overs) from Ethan. Ollie, also showing great strength through the crease, bowled with pace and control and troubled both batsmen but it was Ben, bowling some beautiful away duckers, who got amongst the wickets with 3 for 19 from 8 overs.

Evergreen Trevor Yeates and young Matt Cooper then took over the bowling duties with great aplomb, taking 3 wickets each with Trevor removing young Will Gardner, Hook’s best batsman, with a stunning caught and bowled. Matt got great turn with his off –spinners and finished up with 3 for 20 off 7 overs with Trevor’s figures a brilliant 3 for 14 off 7.5 overs. Hook totalled 116 having been bowled out in the 39th over.

A great tea, with sandwiches provided by The Chestnut Horse Pub in Easton, was enjoyed. John Sparks and Trev Foreman opened the batting for Easton and were 6 for 1 with John departing for 5 on the last ball of the 1st over. Trev was joined by Simon Struthers with a further 18 runs being added before Simon was bowled for 1. Ollie Freemantle then came to the crease and was caught for 2 with Easton on 39 for 3 after 12 overs.

Man of the match Dave Ling (and proud holder of the Pink Cap) then came to the crease and played one of those innings (watchful at first and then an explosion of boundaries) that is his hallmark. The target of 117 was reached in the 33rd over with Dave 58 not out (10 fours) and Trev 42 not out (4 fours).

Easton took 23 points and Hook (with some very young and very talented players ) took 4 points.