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1st XI vs Linkenholt, Regional 1 North (away) June 28 '08
In the absence of the in-form Captain Turk, locating the ground at Linkenholt proved nearly as difficult as last year
with 9 Whiteparish players taking to the field at just after 2pm (a 50% improvement on the 6 that started last year). Mr
Darryl and Sir Geoffrey graced us with their presence around 3pm but both played their part in the field helping to keep
the run rate down.
Linkenholt got off to a slow start with Charlie Evans and Mike "Pops" Green opening the bowling and, at the sight of Sir
Geoffrey changing his clothes just off the field at deep square leg, the more dangerous looking of the opening pair was
clearly distracted and was caught behind off Pops by Ben Flynn in a Second XI set play. Unfortunately that was to be the
only wicket of the innings, despite a fantastic stop/chance by the Whiteparish reserve captain at point, flying through
the air from a one-leg take off.
The departing batsman was replaced by a left-hander which meant that the fielding team remained on their toes adjusting
to the right/left hand combination right up to the tea interval. Linkenholt ended on 164 for 1, a lower score than they
would probably have hoped on a fairly flat wicket and fast outfield. The change bowlers, Lord Harris and Ben Doggett, were
no doubt happy to watch the left hander swinging and missing more often than not throughout his innings. The Linkenholt
opener batted for the full 42 overs for 50+ runs. Not bad for someone who looked a similar age as Lord Harris though he
has clearly worn well in comparison and even bowled accurately during the Whiteparish innings.
An excellent tea in luxurious carpeted surroundings followed, with the 'Parish side feeling confident that the batting
prowess available would be more than a match for the modest total. Tim Drew and Adam Jewell opened the batting and were
comfortably on top of the required rate at approx 60 of 15 overs when AJ was out for 34. However, carnage ensued as Ben
Doggett was caught, Dougal Trentham played onto his stumps, Mr Darryll and Mike Green were triggered and Charlie Evans
and Lord Harris were also returned to the hutch without breaking a sweat.
With the score on barely 70 for 7, the reserve Captain "Grinder" decided it was time to dig in and try to bore the
opposition into submission by limping along at the required 4 an over. Linkenholt fought back with a painfully slow
over rate and continuous field tinkering but Richie and Tim hobbled back and forth to bring the total to within reach
of the target. As the field moved in to stop the batsmen limping singles, Tim Drew timed a straight drive over the bowler's
head for 4 to bring up his maiden 50 but got carried away the next over cutting one to gully for an easy catch on 53.
The skipper was then joined by Sir Geoffrey as the renewed optimism briefly experienced by the batting side ebbed away
with encouraging expletives from Lord Harris. However, Sir Geoffrey was in impressive form, blocking every thing that
came his way for a number of overs until the target was 10 off the last over. Then he masterfully rotated the strike to
allow the skipper to hit 2 boundaries to win the game with one ball to spare in the gathering gloom.
A fantastic season-turning moment for the First XI as the skipper was applauded by both teams as he hopped off the pitch
on 44 not out. Perhaps some of the recognised "batsmen" are saving themselves for next week as Whiteparish travel to face
the top of the table side at Oakley.
A quick mention for Ben "Errol" Flynn on his first team debut who kept wicket cheerfully and "competently" and who looked
full of confidence in his pads waiting for Sir Geoffrey to get himself out but was denied the chance to bat.
Summary
Linkenholt 164 - 1
Whiteparish 168 - 8 off 41.5 overs (Tim Drew 53, Adam Jewell 34, Richie 44*)
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