3s v Ash Village

The sun was shining up at the immaculate looking Hollies ground, whilst the fine band of athletes and Adonises, formally known as Bearsted 3s, was gathered for a game. There was sadly no sign of the opposition. It transpired Ash CC were expecting a later start time so after some panicking the game got underway.
Ash batted first. They looked like cricketers, which is always disappointing and concerning. Our skipper had believed it was their 3rds who were turning up. It turns out they only have a 1st XI.
Jamie Baker opened the bowling up the hill and into the wind. He started with a beauty and generally bowled well.
Angus Kenny somehow blagged bowling downhill and with the breeze. He too bowled some good deliveries. At times, both tried too hard to bowl a quicker delivery and dragged down long hops.
Jamie struck first inducing a top edge that flew high into the air. It was heading to Skinner who didn’t have to move, which frankly is his preferred mode of fielding. It looked comfortable until it came right out of the sun. But he held onto it easily enough.
If that catch was fairly routine, the next one certainly was not. Gareth Oakland, officially of retirement age, was at short cover. A firm cut was despatched in his direction. He got down low to his left and held onto the ball. It would have been a great catch for someone 40 years younger. It was outstanding for someone of 65.
The oldies were showing their commitment. Nigel Baker made a tremendous leap to his left and got his a fingertips to another chance.
J Baker bowled unchanged and finished with 7-0-47-2
Rob Maugham replaced Angus and bowled some decent leg spin. He was our most economical bowler, finishing with 7-0-32-0 from two spells. He looks a useful talent.
Behind the stumps Matt Klimcke was putting his previous goal-keeping talents to good use. A couple of half chances went down but he showed good athleticism and was fearless. He might even have some kit next week!
Callum Macias was next to bowl. He got some movement off the seam but again tries too hard at times instead of using his natural rhythm. He finished with 7-0-45-0. He looks a fine fielder too.
Max Patton was next on bowling down the slope. He has a nice action and some natural pace. He took a good wicket, clean bowled. In his two spells he finished with 6-0-38-1 and was up against some big hitters.
In the midst of that, he also scored a direct hit and ran out their No 5. In addition he calmly whipped the bails off for another run out when Callum realised the oppo had two batsmen at the same end and returned the ball smartly to the bowler.
Angus came back on for his second spell and had one bat clean bowled, ending with figures of 7-0-46-1.
Captain Skinner, having messed up his maths, had to bowl the last over up the hill. It was much to the delight of their big hitting all rounder who launched him for two massive sixes.
We were chasing a daunting target of 246 off 35 overs.
Gareth Oakland and Matt Klimcke opened the batting. Oakland looked cultured and hit a fine boundary before holing out at mid off for 8. Klimcke lacked some footwork but has a good eye and hits the ball ruddy hard.
He had been joined by Nigel Baker who looked imperious.
Matt despatched one ball into the fields before being caught for an entertaining 27 off 30 deliveries.
James Tank lobbed a catch up without scoring.
Angus Kenny looked promising scoring 26. Marcias did not score but Baker was carrying on in style, unleashing some great straight drives. Although he should know better than to admire one that lands at Hollingbourne 5 yards in from the fence. It didn’t make it all the way and, after standing on his bat admiring the shot, he scrambled only a single.
He had been joined by Dave Patton and it was great to see our esteemed Chairman out at the wicket. He started with some lofted cover drives before pulling anything short.
One six went flying towards the spectators, causing them to scatter. The last time we had that much excitement and sense of panic up at Hollingbourne also involved Dave Patton.
Dave was to finish on 30 not out, off only 13 balls.
Nigel Baker was also unbeaten, on a tremendous 88 off only 90 balls.
Our total was rather grand looking 199
A comfortable win for Ash was no disgrace though for our new 3rd XI. Everyone got a game and contributed in some way.