Holmbury St Mary v Smallfield Manor

Report by Mike MacDonagh

Next Saturday sees us kick off our first Div 2 league game of 2019 but first, there was the matter of a friendly at home to Smallfields Manor.

The fact that we were able to play at all was down to sterling work from Tim Riggins, Nick Harmer and Bob Andrews in covering the wicket on Friday - thanks guys! Skipper Dave Hadaway did his bit and won the toss, so we batted (of course) and Nigel Menzies and Geoff Finch (14) put on 49 for the first wicket against decent bowling before Nigel was out for 25. Their offspinner, our old adversary Moin, accounted for Geoff, Brad Cooper (8) and Mat Evans (17), leaving us 88 for 4 after 23 overs but Phil King and late replacement Jason Russell put on some useful runs before Jason got a bit too far under a lofted on-drive slay and was caught for 21. Phil went on to retire at 43no and Paul Seligman (13), Charles Colvile (21no) and Ken Woods (14no) hit out at the end to take us to 196-8, which felt like a competitive score on a wicket that was awkward.

In reply, Brad (6 overs 1 for 34) opened with Paul Seligman (8 overs, 3 maidens for just 18 runs) before Geoff came on and took three quick wickets to leave the visitors 27 for 4 after about 12 overs. Mat (8 overs 3 maidens for 30 runs) and Charles (4 overs for 13 runs) kept the pressure on before Skipper bought himself on to grab 4 wickets (ending at 6 overs 4 for 16) and together with Geoff hoovered up the tail, Uncle ending up with amazing figures of 8 overs 3 maidens 5 for 10 (his second 'fifer' in 3 games this season), as Smallfields Manor were bowled out for 131.

This was a tremendous performance on a tricky pitch against a decent side (who probably bowled better than they batted). Great practice for both batters and bowlers plus a special mention for Rod Orrell, keeping for just about the first time and very tidy behind the stumps! Special mention as well to Rod and Ken for a spectacular tea, with lots of help in the cake department from Maria Woods - the bar has been set and it is impossibly high!