1st XI v Bidborough

The 1st XI, looking to bounce back from a final over defeat to Outwood last week, entertained Bidborough on the green.

Prior to the game, skipper Mark Sandhu was putting his handwriting to good use with the newly installed whiteboard in the home changing room. Another example of the change in philosophy and focus the 1st XI are trying to implement this season.

Sandhu lost the toss and Bidborough’s skipper stuck us into the bat. A new opening partnership with a combined age of 162 (give or take) in Noel Johnston and Mark Hodges (Boss) opened up and negotiated the new ball well. However, Noel would miss a straight one without troubling the scorers too much. Boss and Ben Johnston then built a solid partnership, picking the gaps and getting us to 90 odd for 1 at drinks. Boss fell shortly after drinks for a well made 38 which brought Charlie ‘Bazball’ Luxton to the crease…

What was about to ensue, was a partnership spectators had been waiting patiently to witness for over half a decade. Once Luxton had got off the mark with an outside edge to 3rd man for 4 he began to settle and brought up his 50 within just 8 overs at the crease. Benj who had played flawlessly during the first 20 overs was playing second fiddle at this point and was more than happy to give Luxton the strike.

Heading into the last 10 overs we were well set and what occurred next was nothing short of an onslaught. Benj and Luxton began hitting, tonking, spanking, smashing, blasting, annihilating (you get the point) the ball to every corner of the green. I was half expecting at one point, Noel, to come out of retirement from the force and arrest Benj and Luxton for GBH on Bidborough’s bowlers. The two were neck and neck heading for their tons, Noel counting down for Benj with Richard and Liz Luxton counting down for Charlie. Charlie was first to the landmark with his first ever 100 for the 1st XI. It should be noted he didn’t take his lid off because “it’s a load of hassle”. Unfortunately, Benj fell short, holing out at long on for a superb 95 in the last over. This brought an end to a partnership of 191 in just 17.4 overs!

Miles Henslow with a nasty case of pad rash was next in, he got out first ball. Steve Pearce was next in, he got out first ball. The former clean bowled with a good nut and the latter walked across and was triggered. Pearcey was heard muttering “thanks Jerry” as he walked off, perhaps he thought it might’ve been going underneath the stumps? Somehow, Bidboroughs bowler going at 14 an over took a hatrick! This queued a late dash to the changing room from the Captain and Alex Lush. Luckily, for yours truly, Sandhu prevented a scenario where I would have been timed out got Luxton (122*) back on strike as we finished on a mammoth 299 from our 40 overs.

Supplemented with a good tea from the club’s newest tea lady (the White Horse pub), we set out to defend 299. Lush and Luxton opened the bowling and continued their good form with the ball with Lush striking in the first over. Bidborough never seemed like chasing it down, nevertheless the bowlers still had a job to do. Lush (6-1-18-1) and Luxton (6 - 1 - 15 - 0) were both pulled after 6 overs apiece. Lush with the hope he could burgle some against the tail and Luxton because he continues to fake a shoulder ‘injury’.

Lucas Brookman (4 - 0 - 15 - 2) and Sandhu (8 - 3 - 18 - 3) both backed up the openers and reaped the rewards taking 5 wickets between them. Sandhu’s ‘dodgy’ elbow obviously isn’t that dodgy whilst Brookman has been a fantastic addition to the bowling attack this season at just 15 years of age. Benj (4.1 - 1 - 17 - 3) then came into the attack and did what he had to do with his leg spin. He was far too good for their lower order bats as Bidborough were all out for 84 after a fantastic catch from Noel at mid-on off his son’s bowling. A clinical team performance with the ball that saw only 3 extras in 28 overs. It was also another solid fielding display, aside from a couple dropped catches from someone who will go unnamed, because he’s paid off the match reporter (his name rhymes with Len Honston).

All in all, it wasn’t the strongest Bidborough side we’ve ever faced but we can only beat what’s put in front of us. A fantastic performance with the bat, backed up well by the bowlers, with Benj and Luxton the obvious stand outs. The 1st XI move back to the top of the league to keep their strong start the season going.

Thanks to all those who came to watch on what was a lovely day for a game of cricket. Onto Cudham Wyse next week!!

MOTM: Charlie Luxton

Cheers,

Lushy