SRCC V ELSTED CC - 10th JuLY

Game Two on the 2022 Ramblers road-show and it was hot. Cook an egg on the car bonnet hot.

Nobody keen on fielding first in these conditions, and oppo gutted as GW called correctly with the coin and elected to bat. The Ramblers burst out the blocks, Scrasy (25) rolled back the years with a 6 to get off the mark  and partnered beautifully with Scrasy ringer 1, Paul Lemon (46), a class act who impressed on debut with poise and power... and some jug avoidance.

We were 70-0 without alarm, but as wickets then fell a second significant partnership never materialised and hopes of 200+ hit the buffers. Some decent hitting from the middle order, with Scrasy ringer 2 Martin Russell (24) to the fore, got us back on track and we battled up to 184 all out off our 35. That the final over was a triple wicket maiden a fact best ignored.

A delicious tea came and went and soon the Ramblers were back in the baking sun ready to defend with our traditional vim and vigour. Despite some excellent performances with the ball, notably Chris Nowlan opening things up and taking an early one, GW with a tidy spell, and Alfie consistently beating the bat for no reward, we were staring down the barrel at half way and looking for heroes.

Dan Leach put in a mighty stint behind the stumps and Warren was everywhere in the field using every body part available to staunch the flow of runs on a outfield that always kept you guessing. Heads never dropped, but the chances never came and Elsted knocked off the runs with time and wickets to spare. In truth we were at least 20 runs short of making them sweat for it, but another commendable display and another highly enjoyable afternoon on one of the most beautiful grounds in the South East.

Result: Lost by 8 wickets
Yellow Jersey: Paul Lemon (46)

Team sheet:

1. Paul Lemon
2. Scrasey 
3. Alfie 
4. Gorba
5. Martin Russell
6. Stanners
7. Chris Lloyd
8. GW
9. Warren Applegate
10. Dan Leach
11. Chris Nolan