2s lose at home to Pembury

Pembury were the visitors to The Green in the first of back-to-back fixtures against the same opposition for Bearsted 2s.

Despite the holiday season taking out a number of regular players including the match reporter (hence this being written 10 days after the match), it was a strong and confident 11 that took the field. Skipper Tim Croom won only his second league toss of the season and had no hesitation in electing to bat. With hindsight, a bit of time spent ensuring we were actually playing on the prepared strip may have paid dividends.

Croom (5) was the first wicket to fall, to an excellent catch. Dave Latter (10) followed soon after and a procession of wickets saw Bearsted in the unfamiliar position (at least this season) of being 82/7 in the 27th over. Much depended on Chris Filmer (82*) and Ian Gutteridge (11) who did not disappoint as they compiled an invaluable 65 run partnership for the 8th wicket, bringing the Bearsted total to a below par 165, but one that was considered defendable, with proper bowling and fielding.

The bowling unit stuck at the task well with Jack Feehan (4-26) and Steve Horrocks (3-34) being the pick of the bowlers, ably supported by Harry Slevin, Ian Gutteridge and Dave Latter. Some good fielding and catching gave Bearsted a chance - the highlight being a one handed catch at first slip by Horrocks, from a John Savage deflection.

Despite having Pembury 8 wickets down with 40 runs needed, Bearsted were unable to get the remaining wickets and Pembury snuck home in the 40th over with 3 balls to spare. Bearsted were not helped in their quest for the final wickets by some of the decisions made, with 3 stumping appeals turned down by the square leg umpires. One such appeal being turned down with the batsman still standing outside his ground, goading the wicket keeper!

So on to the return fixture, where Bearsted would fancy their chances of reversing the result.