Somerset Grist to the Mill |
Two additional bowling points were obtained as Hardy picked up three more stumpings as it was reassuring to watch this side struggle to up the tempo to reach the 300. They gave up with a lead of 205 and nine wickets down. Benton finished with the fine figures of 4-62 and two apiece for Buzza and Benton. Donohue put in another impressive spell and his personality and attitude have blended perfectly into the squad. His threats of upper cuts and hay makers will be missed in the final game when Newquay holds a greater attraction than Hamworthy (it really is alright as he booked before he knew he was under consideration!) The captain’s fantasy stock rose sharply with his four stumpings. We now had some problems as Wrench was immobile with his calf /ham string strain and attempting a caught and bowled Buzza had damaged a finger. With the small injury department temporary closed at the nearby Axminster Hospital we were fortunate that a Ward Sister took out time to look at Buzza’s digit and suggested rest. It is hoped that he will be able to take a full part in the final furlong of the season.
Four points to get - the plan to bat the 87 overs and get to 250 on a pitch now dusty and taking spin - could we actually finally complete a strategy? The openers embarked on this huge journey at twelve minutes past noon and lost their first wicket twenty-two minutes later when Lyons bowled the captain. Lunch was taken at 42-1 with the two under 16s Fletcher and Tidball digging in. They took the score up to 66 with Tidball having hitting a six into fine legs hands and over the boundary, fell, when spinner Barrowman forced him to play on. He had batted an hour for his 42. Chappell was caught behind at 87 and Benton and Fletcher carried on the dogged search for batting points. They picked up two as they put on 64. Both were applying themselves with great determination and skill taking the side through to over 44 – half way there! Fletcher’s marathon then ended in an identical fashion to Tidball his 67 had taken up 136 minutes and had been vital. With runner, Wrench lasted five balls and we were back in the trenches. Tea was taken at 165-5 but immediately after the interval Rudge made one take off and Todd did the rest with Benton departing after batting 101 minutes for his 30. Some 30 overs to negotiate. Tom Whittle has shown great maturity in his batting this summer and this added to great subtly resolved a major annoyance. Joel Seward and his name have been unmercifully ridiculed by the opposition in the last two games and he was grilled by Rudge first ball – resulting in laughter from a teaser. The childish chanting continued as Whittle expressed an opinion that it was getting out of hand – dead right and the tormenters were silenced.
.jpg)