EMWCC 2’S v OT’S & Romsey 5th’s played at Hunts Farm Saturday 18th June 2016

Good to get back in the saddle again after a missed match due to the weather. Skip Foreman, after consultation with the Welsh Wizard, called right for the first time this season and asked Romsey to bat on a low and slow wicket and under threatening skies.

Rae Lockyer and Ethan Brackstone opened the bowling, beating the bat on a number of occasions, but without any luck. Woods and returning university student Martin batted with skill and determination and took their score to 42 by the end of the 11th over. 2 bowling changes were made with Trev Foreman from the pavilion end and Matt Cooper from the Town end. Trev had Woods adjudged lbw for 10 but Martin climbed into the bowling and, with good support from Kay, took the score to 130 for 1 in the 29th over.

Man of the match (and proud holder of the pink cap) Bruce Hansen became the 6th bowler to be used and he had Martin caught by evergreen Trevor Yeates for a tremendous 92 with twelve 4’s and 1 six and the total on 135 for 3 off 30 overs. Bruce also removed Kay on 22 and went on to achieve the match winning figures of 10-0-32-4. Batting then became more difficult with tight bowling by Trevor Yeates ( 10-1-35-1) and the returning Rae Lockyer ( 8-2-26-2) & Ethan Brackstone ( 6-0-18-2) resulted in OT’s & Romsey being bowled out for 158 in the 42nd over.

With an eye on the weather and a possible truncated second innings, John Sparks opened the batting with promoted Dave Ling and the pair put on 77 off 17 overs when John was caught on the boundary for 49 ( jug avoidance and a fine) with 4 fours and 1 six. Rupert Brow joined Dave and the two took the score to 118 off 30 overs when Dave Ling was bowled by Wathen for 47. Ethan Brackstone , batting at 4, made a quick 6 before being adjudged LBW to Martin and with pinch-hitter Bruce Hansen caught in the deep the score stood at 137 for 4 off 33 overs. Rupert was joined by Trev Foreman and the target of 159 was reached in the 37th over, helped by some quick running between the wickets, with Rupert Brow finishing on a classy 38 not out and Trev 5 not out.

Easton picked up 24 points and OT’s & Romsey, with a very young and talented team, 7points.