Eltham CC

Match Report

Match report Eltham CC Vs Petts Wood Tudor CC

Ricky Webber reports...

The day had started off so brightly. The sun was shining, there was no sign of the forecast rain and Eltham had a team ready for action.

Prior to the match and for some un-known reason Derek had decided that responsibility for transportation of the kit bag to Petts Wood would be given to the author. This sounded like a simple enough task on paper, however anyone who witnessed the Fire Alarm incident at the seasons opening fixture would likely have known better.

Between unlocking the container and transporting the kit bag from the container to his car some 20 yards away, somehow the author managed to lose both key and padlock. They literally vanished.

At this moment the Skipper turned up who had unwittingly agreed to a lift to the ground from Eltham's resident locksmith. Much searching of the container and surrounding area was made but to no avail, so a quick dash to the nearby B&Q for a replacement lock was made.

New padlock secured (and a determination not to lose this set of keys), we set off to the ground. One near car crash aside the journey proceeded uneventfully.

Turning to the match itself this was a Key game for Eltham after an indifferent start to the season. Eltham were looking for revenge following last seasons shock home defeat to the day's opposition. Pete won the toss and decided to bowl first, perhaps unaware that the opposition batsman had both made century partnerships in their first two fixtures of the season.

A debut was given to Jacques who was the only change in an otherwise unchanged team from last weeks 8 wicket win at home to Carlton CC.

The undersigned and Pad opened the bowling and delivered some tight overs, trying to Unlock the batsmans defences. Pad was unfortunately forced off after only bowling three overs due to illness, though some might say that he was saving his efforts for in the field later in the day.

The undersigned took the first wicket, having the oppositions Captain caught behind by Andy for just 8. Three other wickets soon fell, one of them a smart catch by Harbhajan Bill at Mid on and then an even better catch by Pad to dismiss the other opener.

Petts Wood were in trouble at 23-4 and this became steadily worse as Wouldham picked up another couple of wickets following good catches by Pete Swain and Pad. By the end of the match Pad had 5 catches in 2 games to his name and appeared to be making an early claim to this seasons fielding award.

Although the oppositions number 5 continued to hit out with a few boundaries, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with Bill chipping in with another 3 wickets. Pete Swain took the final wicket of the match following another great catch by Pad.

Petts Wood all out for 93.

A quick turnaround was made and Pete Fisher and Asjad strode purposefully out to the middle. Some hostile bowling was encountered, however both batsman withstood the barrage and, amid some lovely shots, steered Eltham home with unbeaten 40s as the match was comfortably won by ten wickets. No Eltham game this season has yet involved a team making three figures so hopefully more exciting games are to come later in the season.

Following completion of tea (and no jelly much to several players disappointment (and it was nothing to do with me losing it either before anybody asks) an F15 game was played. Eltham batted first and made approximately 140 in their fifteen overs, with Bulpitt, Pad, Swain, John Fisher, De Klerk and Bill all making contributions.

As Eltham retook the field Redman opened the Eltham attack and in the last ball of the over the opposition's opener was bowled for a duck! A second, less successful second over where numerous byes were given away (stand in keepers should look away now) and glares at the poor so and so behind the stumps!

Our substitute fielder Dean came in and took a couple of wickets following a bit of on the field coaching (if Derek finds out you anyone is after his job as coach you had better watch out) and everyone took the opportunity to turn their arm over. Redman was left with injuries other than the usual scuffed elbows after injuring his 'spinning finger' whilst fielding without gloves. Ever thought of baseball Andy??

Played in good spirits Eltham won the match at a canter with John Fisher securing a plum LBW and then apologising when the umpire gave the opposition batsman out!

So Eltham's return to winning ways continues and the Dorset Tour beckons. The only advice I would give to anyone sharing a room with me? Dont ask me to look after the door key!

Ricky