4th May v Penshurst (FRIENDLY) (H)
After a cold, wet and miserable winter, the 2024 season finally got underway on Saturday, with a game against near neighbours Penshurst at the Rec.
After losing the toss and being asked to field, myself and Will Plunkett shared the new ball. Penshurst’s opening partnership (which included last season’s top run-scorer across all 8 KCVL divisions) got off to a quick start, punishing the loose balls, of which there were plenty on offer as early season cobwebs were still being dusted off, and got to 80odd for 0 after the first 10 overs. Thankfully, Andy Eames and Siraj came on and both bowled with good control, and stemmed the flow of runs and the pressure began to build, with Andy taking the first wicket of the season.
Ranson continued to bat nicely and made his way to an unbeaten century before deciding to retire, which allowed the skipper to rotate the bowlers as the early run rate began to settle. Through the middle overs, there were nice spells from many, with Abdul Rahman, Ben Roberts, and Adam Nash all bowling tidily. The highlight of the innings, however, was a brilliant spell of bowling from young Thomas Plunkett. He bowled with incredible accuracy, and ended up with figures of 4-13 off his 4 overs, very impressive considering the difference in pitch length and ball size that he is used to playing in junior cricket. Well done Thomas!
Penshurst ended up on 240-6 off their 40, which was a pretty good effort after their flying start. Special mention to Ejas, who took the gloves for the first time in his career and did a great job!
Muddy and Ejas strode out to open the batting for us, however, the innings was quickly interrupted by a quick 10-minute downpour (will we ever get a day when it doesn’t rain!!!). Ejas shortly departed after the rain delay, with Mark Thorpe, Adam and Ben R all making starts before also losing their wickets to some tight Penshurst bowling.
Muddy and yours truly threatened to make the run chase interesting, in particular Muddy, who played an array of pulls, drives, reverse hits and even the traditional behind-the-legs shot before eventually departing for a very well-made 80. At this stage we were 140-5 with 15 overs or so left, so not all hope was lost, however, no more substantial partnerships could be built, and we ended up falling about 60odd runs short in the end.
All in all, a good run out for everyone and hopefully the cobwebs have been well and truly dusted off before the league season kicks off next Saturday.
26th May v Horsmonden & Hildenborough (H)
On Sunday, our Friendly XI played a composite side made up of players from Horsmonden and Hildenborough. The visitors won the toss and elected to field.
We agreed to play 35 overs per side and there was a discussion before we began about the relative strength of the two sides. It is fair to say that the Speldhurst team was closer to a development XI, featuring three players from the junior section. Sam Poynter (U13), who has regularly featured this season, was joined by George Greenaway (U13) and Sam Dixon (U15), both making their adult cricket debuts. We also had three father and son pairings. Paul Dixon, (not THE Paul Dixon), a Yorkshireman with a sunnier disposition than his namesake, played alongside Sam. Anthony Greenaway who coaches in the junior section played alongside George. Joseph Pannell, back for the long weekend played his first game for the club this season and joined Calypso who was skipper for this one.
Batting for the full quota of overs remains our challenge this season. Speldhurst made 94 in 29.1 of the allotted overs. Price and Ejaz shared an opening stand of 20-ish before Ejaz missed one and was bowled for 10. This brought George Greenaway to the crease, and he bravely strode out to face the opening bowler from the pavilion end. Andy, the skipper of the visiting side relayed instructions to take the pace off, and unfortunately, this had the effect of making the bowler a lot more accurate. George got a good one first-up and he was bowled by a delivery that would have dismissed many adult players. He took it in his stride though and is determined to come back and try again after more practice in the nets. Well-done George. It takes courage to walk to the middle when you’re half the height of the other players, and I was impressed how you handled the situation. J Pannell came in at 4 with instructions from Calypso to not get out first ball, to ensure the skipper had time to get the umpire jacket off and to get the batting pads on. He followed instructions and kept Tristan company for the next few overs. Tristan fell next, for 17, bowled by the opener, and this brought Calypso to the crease. They batted together to drinks at 15 overs and pushed the score along with the odd boundary and decent running.
Resuming from drinks and with advice from his dad to stick around for at least another 5 overs, Pannell Junior hit one up in the air and was caught for 5. Greenaway senior came in at 6 and showed good defensive skills to keep the bowlers out, rotating with the skipper to add a few more runs. When he was out caught for 3, it brought Matt Johnston to the crease. Having played a couple of weeks ago, and after getting some practice in, he played a good cameo, making 15 in not many balls including a four and an enormous six over cover that had the hallmarks of a baseball swing about it. Unfortunately, through the exertion of it all, Matt pulled a muscle in his leg that rendered him immobile and ruled him out of fielding.
Calypso fell next for 30, trying to hit a boundary from a ball that was extremely flighted and plopped down on a length. The fielder juggled the ball close to the ground and did well to scoop it up at the second attempt and to hang on to it. The Dixons at 8 and 9 batted together, which was nice to see. Sam bagged a duck and Paul made 5, but played some good cricket shots that are testament to a regular cricketing past (he can possibly be persuaded to come back again!). Poynter and Amir batted together for the last wicket, keeping the ball out and extending our innings to almost 30 overs. Sam continues to display good technique and will make runs as he gets stronger and can pierce the inner field more often. He was the last man out for 2, leaving Amir untroubled on 0.
With 95 needed to win from 35 overs, it seemed that the afternoon might be over in a flash, but we dug in after an opening stand of 43 (from 9 overs) and took wickets regularly after that. The visitors made it over the line, but only in the 26th over, and with 7 wickets down. It was a genuine pleasure to see the young side respond positively, as the faint glimmer of light became brighter with every wicket that fell. We played with good levels of energy and lots of support for one another. The fielding was excellent, with catches and run out opportunities taken.
I won’t relay a blow-by-blow account of our fielding performance, choosing instead to pick out some highlights. Firstly, Ejaz Deane did an excellent job with the gloves conceding only two byes and snaffling up anything that went astray. He kept wicket so Tristan could make an early getaway if needed, and he kept us in the game towards the end as we bowled 5 consecutive maidens with the visitors on 93-7. Next, George Greenaway who effected an excellent run out, picking up at fine leg and throwing accurately so that Ejaz could whip the bails off. Well done George for staying focused, and to the junior coaches who are clearly working on their fielding drills. Poynter, wicketless this week continues to impress with his positivity and enthusiasm for the game. He was very tidy, bowling 5 overs, 3 of them maidens and conceding only 10 runs.
Sam Dixon took a couple of balls to warm up but settled into a decent spell. Helped by some excellent catching (Tristan and Amir?) he bowled 3.4 overs and took 2 wickets for 22. Amir was exemplary, leading the attack and managing not to be put-off by the drain cover that is perfectly in line with the runway of right-arm-over bowlers from the pavilion end. He picked up 2 wickets for 22 runs from 7 overs. George bowled a couple of encouraging overs of leg spin with good turn, and he was close to getting a wicket on a couple of occasions as the batsmen were drawn into attempts to launch him over mid-wicket. Yaz came on for a couple of overs and ended up with a maiden and a wicket as the lower order batsmen tried to close things out. Joseph bowled with good pace and hurried the batsmen, beating the bat on multiple occasions before getting one through the defences of their number 6 who looked genuinely rattled. He ended up with figures of 5 overs, 1 for 15. The final thing of note was Joseph taking a catch from Calypso to make the scorecard read caught Pannell, bowled Pannell – the first time (and hopefully not last) this has happened!
A loss for Speldhurst, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. The visiting side played in good spirits and commended our approach to the game and the opportunities offered to our younger players. Between them, our three juniors bowled 41% of our overs and can hold their heads high for their performances. Well done all for hanging on and making it competitive, I really enjoyed captaining that one. If only yours truly had not slapped the loopy bowler to cover …. 20 more runs and I think we might have done it. Next time 😊.
Speldhurst Cricket Club 