A Bizarre Match at Larkhill
Despite a late drop out, relieved by a useful drop-in, Queries fielded a strong-looking team at Larkhill today. The Gunners, who were not at full strength because a number of their senior players were on “Army cricket duties”, agreed to bat first, and came up against Jeremy Bond who opened with 3 overs and took 2 for 6 whilst at the other end Harry Bates bowled 5 overs for 21 runs. Ben Higton replaced Jeremy, bamboozling the batters with his spin and taking one wicket for 9 runs in 6 overs, with 4 maidens. At 6 down the Gunners score was just 81 runs, but then they rallied, got a partnership going and put on some runs. 7/122, 8/152, 9/162 and 167 all out.
Now, when you think of a Queries line-up that lists Ben Higton, Ollie Illingworth, Tom Beard, Jack Hurley and Jack Bramwell you may be forgiven for thinking that we should be heading for a massive victory. No! What happened was quite bizarre as wicket after wicker fell – 1/12, 2/12, 3/15, 4/64, 5/64, 6/73. It was the partnership of Matt Edwards and skipper Jack Grant that steadied the ship, took control of the crease and started to pile on the runs and they took us to the line in 33 overs, winners by 4 wickets.
Many thanks to the Gunners of Larkhill for hosting an interesting and enjoyable day and for their after-match hospitality. And many thanks too to Nigel Hill for scoring.
