Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Mudeford CC

Our final tour game against Richard's old junior club. This game was a webmaster's nightmare since Eltham used 12 players and Mudeford used at least 13! We've tried to squeeze these onto the web site by combining oppo players where possible but it wasn't easy - apologies if we've dropped any clangers (it wouldn't be the only thing we dropped!)

I'm not sure if the Skipper collared anyone for a match report for this one - any takers? It would be good to come up with a report for such a good match.

So the tour moves onto Mudeford, or rather stayed still in Mudeford! With the Eltham players checking out of the Premier Inn and coffee and cards being taken in the lounge the players once more took to their cars and the 5 minute journey towards the sea and Junior Page?s stomping ground.

On arrival Eltham were greeted not with paparazzi but with the Google street map car circling the area. We wait to see who was caught on camera! Players noted the distance from the square to the road and soon moved their cars for increased cover.

The last game of the tour brought with it a 1-1 scoreline and 12 players. Asjad and Andy agreed a half time swap and much confusion to the statistician and webmaster! Richard skippering on his home ground won the toss and Eltham were batting. Rules for the game were agreed, 40 overs, tea in between, everyone must bowl at least one over.

Will and Pete Fisher made a solid start with Pete playing his way to 32 with some imperious strokeplay (A fineable reference under tour guidelines). His stumping brought Bulpitt to the crease and a change in fortune as far as the bowling was concerned as Mudeford employed their everyone must bowl card. He was also fortunate considering the post bodyline change in fielding and thereby there were only 2 people allowed behind square leg.

Will fell soon after Matt?s arrival and this meant that Fisher senior joined Bulpitt in the middle. They put 70 runs on the board and after Matt was bowled Asjad picked up the pace and hit a quick fire 32. All eyes were on the arrival of the skipper, and after Matt Bevan?s innings Richard strolled out.

The cars were no longer in danger, the windows of the houses across the road however were! A blistering 23 was blasted by Page and on ball was dispatched onto the garage of number 8 Ledbury Road?

Eltham were 224 for 9 after their 40 overs and whilst Asjad went to McDonalds for a fillet of fish before his journey home, Eltham enjoyed a fine tea before Andy donned the gloves and Eltham took to the field.

Tanveer and Richard stoked up the pace but to no avail. The Mudeford openers enjoying the pace on the ball and driving their score onwards. This brought John Fisher and Matt Bulpitt into the attack again. This time the slower pace allowed John Fisher to pick up the wicket of the opener as he hit it down to Will at long on, and Bulpitt to pick up two wickets. The first well caught by Andy behind the stumps, the second by Swain at midwicket. The partnership was broken and Bevan bowled a tidy spell keeping the ball pitched up and the run rate down.

Still another wicket was needed and still Mudeford kept the run rate up. This meant that it was time for our all-rounders Pete and Pete to come to the party three more wickets but this only brought Hodges into the attack, and attack he did! Clean hitting and aggressive shots saw Mudeford home with one over to spare.

Still and excellent game, a fine ending to a great tour and a smashing opposition.