Match Report

St Clement’s Strollers visited Middleton Park for our middle T20 of the summer. After one wash out and two very hot evenings so far, the Wednesday night regulars were grateful for some more clement weather.

Middleton bowled first, with Matt Dipple given the choice of ends. The openers, Baldock and Baldock, were parted early when the number 2 showed little inclination to get in line to a straight one. Rob Barton quickly picked up the other opener, very nicely caught by Max Nalborczyk diving forward at mid off. Andre, the number 3, played some nice shots before being bowled by Rob in the 8th over.

At 25 for 3 the home side were well on top, with Mike Simpson keeping things tight from one end and George Williams steaming up the hill. This partnership picked up wickets in successive overs, George benefitting from an easy decision from Quick-Draw Wordsworth, and Mike coaxing a skied catch to Matt at mid off. This brought a third Baldock to the crease, who first steadied the St Clement’s ship then did all he could to set a decent target. While he was bludgeoning 41 runs at one end, skipper Tim Riley shuffled his bowlers for the remainder of the innings. Sam Norley bowled tightly and was rewarded with yet another catch at mid off, this time completed by Tim House. Howard Lancaster did his best Jack Leach impression for 3 tidy and boundary-less overs, and Ben Breaker turned his arm over for the penultimate over of the innings. Matt and Ben combined for a simple run out, the number 8 falling on his sword so Baldock could remain on strike. Harry Way was given the dubious honour of bowling the final over, and fielders were scattered far and wide. Though not far enough. Harry even managed to bowl two no-balls off his five yard run up, though did pick up a wicket from his final delivery. Whatever Mike may tell you about this slip catch, do not believe a word.

96 for 7 did not feel like a challenging total for us to chase, and Max was given the chance to accompany Tim House to the crease to start our innings. Their batting styles provided a striking juxtaposition, Tim swinging for the fences and Max grinding an innings out. Tim retired on 31 off just 22 balls at the start of the 8th over. Ben joined in the fun and hit one nice boundary but didn’t stay long, nicking off for 5. If St Clement’s thought that they might be able to tie the new batter down they were sadly mistaken. George took four deliveries to overtake the dogged Max and at one point hit four consecutive deliveries for six. Approaching parity, Max finally found the boundary to finish on 17 not out and watched from the other end as George whacked yet another ball into the undergrowth. 33 not out off only 10 balls, and only missing out on the fabled 35* by a matter of metres on his match-clinching boundary.

Many thanks to all those who fulfilled any of the numerous jobs on game day. The grounds volunteers had done a superb job in preparing the wicket and outfield, Middleton Park again looked superb. Rona and Andrew came to help provide the food and drink and are much appreciated by all players. Thanks too, to Paul who umpired the game today despite having the opportunity to put his feet up and watch the game with a beer. It’s a pleasure to play with you all.