It was a very hot day at Tidworth today. By agreement, the Free Foresters would bat first and they set off at a gallop until Savin Bavunugama took the first wicket. Fielding on a lightening surface was not easy and any wayward bowling was punished. FFs marched on – 52/2, 130/3, 162/4, 265/5 and then a surprise declaration at 282 after 43.2 overs. Seb Woodford was the most economical bowler with 1/38 from 8 and Savin, Jack Hurley, Nick Kitching and Sumith Surendran all got one apiece.
Losing the wicket of Peter Mounstephen at 13 run was not ideal however Oscar Fox and Jack Hurley got their heads down and made steady progress with a 113 run stand, when Jack was caught for 61 in the 26th over. After Oscar was out for a well-battled 63, the following batters came and went and wickets came all too easily until we were all out for 230. What had looked so inspiring and promising earlier on simply fell away with our last three batters making 4 runs between them.
Nevertheless the game was played in good spirit and with plenty of humour. The Foresters enjoyed their day at Tidworth, and their lunch. Many thanks to Paul Stubbs for scoring and for Ted Mackenzie standing with Barry A.
Skipper Simon Campbell wrote “FF bested WQ today, hot hot day at Tidworth. FF scored 280 for 4 in quick time and declared 10 mins early. Seb W, Sumith, Francis Naumann and Oscar all bowled with some good control, but in truth we chased a lot of leather. The highlight of our innings was 130 run partnership by Jack Hurley and Oscar Fox, both scored 50s and left us needing 130 off the last 20. Francis and self and a good go but we fell all out 50 short with 6 overs spare. Well managed by the FF. great atmosphere and much beverage was had!”
