HSMCC v Effingham

Holmbury St Mary 222 for 7, Effingham 62.

A Sunday afternoon in June at the Holmbury cricket ground – our own field of dreams. And a comprehensive, commanding win as well, capping a very successful weekend for the club. We welcomed Toby back from uni.

Losing the toss and asked to bat on a wicket expertly prepared by our groundsmen the Winser brothers, openers Seb (39) and JR (51) immediately established a good partnership, averaging 5 runs per over before JR was bowled just after achieving a half-century – his third for the club this year. Not long after Seb succumbed to the same bowler’s left-arm spin, Martin (17) and Nick J (16) advanced the score further before Andrew (40 no) and Ross (29) took us past 200. After a brace of quick wickets, Monu (8) steadied the innings before the declaration was made after 42 overs, a statement of intent meant to leave plenty of overs to bowl out the opposition.

After a filling tea courtesy of Ross, Effingham were quickly and expertly dispatched, thanks to the aggression, accuracy and outstanding overall dominance of our bowling attack. Ross (6-1-21-3) took a wicket in the first over, and then two more in his double-wicket maiden second over. Monu (5-1-16-0), although wicketless, consistently threatened. Our two openers are now the top two wicket-takers in the division so far this season! Toby (6-1-17-4) also bowled a double-wicket maiden, and Martin (5.1-1-6-2) broke up the Butters wicket hegemony. Incredible bowling stats (including 7 ducks), supported by a dearth of extras and tight fielding (including Andrew’s razor-sharp run-out from mid-on) brought us the win and an early finish after 22.1 overs.

So a memorable win which left us in second place and was toasted by the team afterwards on the pavilion steps in the warm late afternoon. Next Sunday sees division leaders Hambledon visit our ground.