HSMCC v Abinger

Holmbury St Mary 195, Abinger 196-7.

Our stand-in skipper JR summarised yesterday thus: ‘I haven’t enjoyed a Sunday loss as much as that – very close and some good competitive cricket’. And so it was – ebbs and flows, thrills and agony, hope and despair, and above all, some immense performances which ultimately resulted in a close loss. We welcomed Holmbury veteran legend Kenny Woods into the side.

Losing the toss and put into bat on a damp, green and fresh wicket, four of our top six in the order managed a combined total of 10 runs. However, our number two JR and number six Andrew bookended to create a hugely significant captains’ innings which got us out of a large hole at the outset (JR’s 83) and helped us to a decent innings total (Andrew’s 50 n.o., after a red-eye from LA!). Coming in at number nine, Martin contributed a rapid 19 n.o. with several mighty boundaries to get us to 195 off 44 overs that, after 36 for 4 off 13, was improbable but solid.

Holmbury took to the field believing we had a defendable total if we kept our concentration, energy and enthusiasm at top level. Our opening bowlers Monu (8.4-1-47-1) and Martin 7-0-38-1) initially kept the score tight, with Andrew at mid-on catching their opener off Monu’s bowling in the seventh over, a wicket maiden. Abinger’s batsmen started to make inroads and were on a 4.5 run rate after 15 overs. Enter Holmbury’s spin twins Nick (10-0-38-2) and Kenny (10-1-45-3) who kept Abinger’s run rate down (especially Kenny at the outset, with an opening maiden followed by wickets in three of the next four overs).

Our star fielder of the day was Monu (aka the Ewhurst Express), who took four catches, ranging from the casually-mundane (line drive at mid-off), to the swiftly-sublime (a running catch at cover point having started at mid-off!). After 36 overs, Abinger were on 149 for 7 needing 47 runs off 30 balls. Their number seven and nine batsmen combined to achieve that target with two balls to spare.

So, a loss to a close rival which has left us in third place with four matches remaining. Loxwood visits Holmbury’s Field of Dreams this Sunday 28 July – do keep Will informed of your availability.