The Sunday 2nds (Development XI)

Others had already found their way to the pitch via Yanley Lane only to then have the challenge of trying to access what could only be described as the best stocked old kit room - including a 1980’s photo of Chris Broad (evidently Shane Warne also played for LA CC)!

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Dan Veal and Ollie Kohuts managed to clear a path out of the changing room and started the Lansdown innings. This proved to be one of the best opening partnerships of the season with the first wicket (Ollie 27) being taken by Old England in the 20th over with the score on 96. In came Avery and the crowd (huddled in the corner of the ground) waited in anticipation. They didn’t have long to wait as Sam chipped the ball up straight into the fielder’s hands – out for a duck.

Will Hurle and then Callum Cox came in and provided good support to Vealy scoring 14 and 25 respectively. When Callum missed a straight ball and Captain Cox came to the wicket, Dan was on 97 and both batsmen were confident that his 100 was a matter of a few balls away. Then disaster, Coxy went for a straight drive and the left knee (previously referred to as the ‘pie’ knee by some) gave way. Within a ball or two with his ‘sloggers head’ on Coxy was caught for just 10 and he limped his way back to the kit cupboard. Dan was now on 99.
In came the reliable batsman - Indiana Costello and he saw Vealy to another century.
Looking to increase the run rate Vealy hit one in the air and was caught for 106. Andy Cripps and Alex Donovan then supported ‘The Raider’ to reach the 200 mark to get that final and important batting point.

After Brian had polished off his ham and beetroot sandwiches Lansdown took to the field and had the two Sam’s opening the bowling. Costello 0-39 off his 8 overs and Mr Avery a very healthy 2 wickets for 27 runs off his 8. Then came the bowler/keeper partnership of Alex Donovan and Will Hurle. The batsmen eyed the boundary but only to be foiled by the flight and spin and with his good hands Will managed to stump batsmen 3 & 4. Alex with figures of 3 wickets for 20 off 8 overs. Andy Cripps was bowling well at the other end getting another 2 wickets before he too picked at a leg injury forcing both him and Coxy to field where they didn’t have to move much!! (Really down to 8 personnel in the field now!).
In an attempt to win the match, Coxy put his two young medium pace bowlers on to finish the remaining 8 overs of OE innings. Despite Ollie Kohuts getting his first wicket for the Sunday 2’s and some excellent bowling by Liam Davy, OE managed to get the total required in the penultimate over with 8 wickets down.

A good afternoon of cricket and the youngsters really getting involved and doing well.