Holmbury St Mary CC v Dorking

Report by Tim Riggins

With last week’s friendly behind us, our first VCL division one match away to Dorking saw the return of Stuart and Will after long absences – welcome back chaps! The home side won the toss and decided to bat.

Despite aggression from our opening bowlers Ross and Martin, Dorking’s opening batsmen accumulated runs at a decent pace, averaging five runs per over after eight overs. As with last week, a change in bowlers brought quick results, with Dorking’s number two being bowled by Toby in his first over and Will helping to stem the flow of runs.

In the 14th over, Andrew dropped back to a deeper mid-off to help Will dismiss the other opener with some canny bowling. A batting collapse followed with six wickets taken in the next eight overs, including the former Holmburian James Irvine leaving an inswinging pearl from Toby which kissed the bails, and a spectacular catch from Phil (highlights reel here: ‘The Catch’). Ross returned to finish the tail in consecutive balls to add to Will and Toby’s four wickets apiece.

After a very nice, quite beige tea, and taking heed of the skipper’s direction to ‘just don’t get out’, JR and Nick proceeded to build the total to 22 off six, before Nick was bowled for 16. James departed soon after before Andrew arrived to score a very sensible 15*. JR, uncharacteristically 12 off the first 15 overs (and rather tired after completing the London Marathon for charity https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sdrawkcabnodnol earlier in the day) then exploded with five sixes and five fours off the spinners, finishing with 66* in the 22nd over to see us over the line for a great win.

So, a very satisfying win away to a great rival and a perfect start to the league campaign. On to next Sunday and our next league match, away to Hambledon. If you haven’t already, please let Will know your availability.