A downpour rain an hour before play was scheduled saw the 2nd XI frantically dash to put the covers on to protect the wicket. This was not to be the only time throughout the afternoon.

With overcast conditions and humidity in the air, Skipper Spence won the toss and sent the opposition in. Greeney and Wilby to open up. The guile of line and length from one end and raw pace at the other end. A difficult prospect for any opening batter. However, only 3 overs were permitted before the heavens opened and halted play with the covers put on.

Conflicting weather reports then dominated discussion for the next hour as play resumed for a truncated one over session before rain again halted proceedings.

After another lengthy break, blue sky broke through and play was able to resume in earnest with the game reduced to 30 overs a side. Whether the opposition had been watching too much Bazball, were wet from rain in between the ears, or misread 30 for 20 overs, they decided to come out swinging. Whilst some of the expansive strokes came off, they also presented chances and 3 quick wickets followed, 2 to Wilby and 1 to greeney. Special mention to Waltzy who took a sharp slip catch above his head off Wilby.

Despite the early wickets and plenty of overs to bat, the opposition continued batting as if it were the last 5 overs. Waltzy came on to continue the pace frenzy taking a bizarre wicket where the oppo bat hit a full toss onto his face only for it to ricochet to Elmo at cover. Fortunately, the bat was okay. As wickets and runs continued, Skipper Spence’s motivation was to say he’d give Waltzy one more over if he took a wicket. The outcome, 3 wickets in 3 overs. At the other end, George Tunnacliffe bowling sharp offies turned the screws and drew some rash shots from the oppo resulting him finishing up with 4 wickets including two wickets in two balls to finish the innings. As a result, Plough were set a modest target of 126 from 30 overs.

The sun was shining as we set out on our chase. An early wicket on the 2nd ball of the innings gave Epic CC an opening, but that was completely extinguished by the watchful George Boughton and stylish Tom Ball who put on a tad over 50 for the 2nd wicket. It was a partnership which all but ended the opposition side’s chances. When Ball was triggered on 30, club legend Freddie mills came to the crease and he only knows one way, which is boundaries. Boundaries ensued (including one lost ball) and in between where George B was triggered by his opening partner, the Plough needed less than 20 runs before the heavens opened again. Instead of hanging around for a foregone conclusion, Epic CC conceded the game giving our 2nd XI another victory and putting them up to the 2nd overall.

The team is in a great position heading into 2nd half of the season which is testament to the depth of the club. A telltale sign of guys performing well and depth in the side is evident when players like Webster and Elmslie are unable to get a bat or bowl in the match, although both are equally important to the make up of the side given not all games will go to script like this one.

The Plough keep pushing for promotion.

Match report produced by Alex Jullienne