Match Report
Sunday 15 June –v- St. John & Seal at Seal Cricket Ground
Perhaps an indication of St. John & Seal’s strength, rather than Crusaders reputation as a batting giant, we were still surprised to be inserted after losing the toss. It didn’t take Seal long to work out Jim’s approach to run scoring, counter-acting his aerial bombardment with a couple of mid-ons. Obviously Jim changed his approach The top order subsided with little more than a whimper; Gordon chipping an easy return catch and Bill and Chucks attempting to better each other in a ‘Silly Shot Competition’ thus we found ourselves 24-4. Darkie and Steve L restored some order, with a solid partnership, before Mark was dismissed with the score on 60, but there then followed the most significant contribution to our final total. Any partnership between Rhino and Danglers is never aesthetically pleasing or high in entertainment value and this was no exception. With Timmo our version of ‘The Entertainer’, padded up ready we were forced to endure some pitifully dull fare. For the statisticians – Darren made fifty and Steve probably did as well, but for some poor bookwork from Scorer Neil Chapman. Glen was shaken awake and sent out to restore some faith in the noble game, but barely had time to rub the sleep from his eyes before he returned, having failed to exercise Neil’s pencil. At the declaration we had set our hosts a target of 160.
Any hopes St. John & Seal had of overhauling the total was soon dampened by a lengthy opening salvo from Timms and Moyse. The home side were intent on survival, hoping that the change bowlers would offer more opportunity for scoring runs, but with 21 overs used before that change was made they were well behind the required rate. Spud and Chris were eventually summoned from the shadows and inevitably the wickets started to tumble. After Chris had dislodged the opener, Spud helped himself to three quick wickets, before St. John & Seal shut up shop and batted out the draw. When stumps were drawn St. John & Seal were 92-6 from 39 overs.
