Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Greenheath CC

After some changes during the week the start time was revised to 2.00pm, and to the consternation of Eltham CC, and in particular the self styled Taffyboyo, there was to be no tea provided. There was also limited changing facilities and no showers. Ah, fond memories of our beloved BGS come flooding back!

This was also a nostalgic return for some to another former home of Eltham CC in Greenwich Park, although there were murmurings of it not being a great track to bat on.

Greenheath won the toss, and the game was reduced from 40 to 35 overs, for as suspected there were no floodlights. Eltham were sent in to bat.

Following heavy traffic delays the full team was assembled by around the start time. Bulpitt arrived, sprinting the last 5 yards, bag on back to open for Eltham, along with his partner Bisley. Visions of Rocky come to mind, but I doubt Matt would have made it up the steps.

Bisley was first to fall, caught in the many jumpers of Sawyer at slip after providing what looked like catching practice. He was happy to at least score 1 and avoid the family curse of 6 days earlier. No 'Bisley' (duck for those not at the T20) for Will today!

Wouldham joined Bulpitt and was quickly off the mark before succumbing LBW to a lowish delivery from the impressive bowling of Patel from the portacabin end. Wouldham accepted the decision with his usaul grace, and departed chuntering away to himself. A certain Mr Bill the culprit today!

Bulpitt was next to fall, bowled by Codd when looking well set and having contibuted an attractive 34 to a total of 49.

John Fisher, obviously flustered by the long journey in the traffic, enrolled in ECC's 'exclusive' club, and got to have a cuddle with Amelia the duck. Enjoying this more than he should, John even took the duck home for the week for Barbara to 'feed her up'. This proved to be rather too successful with Amelia claiming her first pair the following week! (See Sidcup report)

Page was now in full flow after a rather nervous start, and was dispatching the ball to all parts, including some glorious maximums. A good partnership with Bevan added 38, including some excellent running between the wicket and calls from the Welshman that could be heard in the Valleys! Matt departed with a characteristic smile on his face for a well compiled 8.

The score was now a precarious 101 for 5 with plenty of overs left. Swain joined Page, with Richard's well meaning, but pointless advice of 'have a look and play yourself in'. Surely this is what pre-season nets are for! Unfortunately what could have been an explosive partnersip was brought to a premature end (not for the first time this season) when Page's excellent knock of 47 was halted by a grubber hitting the base of leg stump. Page's elusive maiden 50 is still awaited, but is surely not far away.

Redman assumed the role of anchorman while Swain hogged the strike before Andy was trapped in front playing back to another low one. The steadfast Seeds was next in, and watched on as Swain needlessly holed out to a brilliant one handed catch at square leg off such a good ball it deserved 6.

A defiant ninth wicket stand between Seeds and Bill worth an unbeaten 37 closed out the innings, and ensured Eltham used the full allocation when it had seemed they may fall short. Both batsmen contibuted 16 invaluable runs including well worked singles and some good boundaries. This was a vital stand which later proved to be decisive.

Andy was once again marshalling the scorebook, resplendent in a sheepskin style hoodie which did not go un-noticed and caught the eye of Taffyboyo who had to take a little walk to the bin to calm down. The Eltham innings closed on a competitive, but by no means safe, 179 for 8. Tea was taken by those who had any left after some frantic snacking watching the innings unfold

The now familiar combination of Tanveer and Swain opened the bowling for Eltham, with Tanveer predictably opting for the end with the variable (read low) bounce. Despite a tight opening spell which included a number of balls too good to find a decent edge, the Greenheath openers were solid and not taking risks. It seemed they wanted to get through the opening bowlers with all 10 in hand, and were content to even block out the 13th and 14th overs for maidens! For the first time in a while the Eltham opening bowlers had not managed a wicket between them, although the low total at the end of 14 had increased the pressure and the required run rate to over 6 an over.

Wouldham took over at the portacabin (grubber) end, and on his second ball showed Tan and Pete how it was done, removing Sawyer LBW. Colin followed this by removing the other opener, Greenheath's Page, again LBW, and their No 3 to a skied catch well held by Redman. Colin was enjoying bowling again at his former home ground, even if the batting did not go to plan. It was notable that he enjoyed these 2 LBW decisions more than his own!

Williamson of Greenheath announced his intentions immediately by charging Wouldham, and taking quite a liking to Bisley's bowling at the other end. His innings looked as if it may be pivotal. However, Bulpitt put an end to it with a trademark full toss that may have been a no ball had Williamson not been again on the charge, and gobbled up a high caught and bowled. The batsman should have limboed under it ala Bisley at OD Cuaco last year! Greenheath were now under increasing pressure as the run rate continued to soar, and their big hitters were all back in the portacabin.

Bulpitt picked up a further 3 wickets, all bowled, one of which seemed to merely dislodge the bails due to the turbulence (or was it vibration) created by his follow through. Bisley closed out the bowling for Eltham and bagged 3 wickets for himself. With the benefit of hindsight this was a day where the skipper did not bowl himself at the right time! Greenheath were all out for 148, with Eltham victorious by 31 runs.

Unfortunately there was no room for the guile of Bill or Seeds on this difficult track which did not seem conducive to spin, and it was unusal for ECC to field only 5 bowlers. Wouldham (3-24), Bulpitt (4-35) and Bisley (3-35) shared the spoils.

Another good win, 7 on the spin!

Reporting Pete 'needs to hit the ball further next time' Swain