The Ambush v Uffington CC
Back row (l-r) Hassan Olympia, Tim Lowe, Simon Copperwheat, Baz Floyd, Ed Juszczak, Chris Grain (capt)
Front row (l-r): Huw Neyroud, Robbie Mills, Tony Winstone, Ben McPherson
We're lucky to live in a part of the country where we play cricket at some really beautiful grounds. The Ambush's first ever trip to Uffington proved to be another postcard venue as we played out the league fixture in the shadow of the famous White Horse.
Uffington CC
Both teams suffered late withdrawals for this game and fielded only ten players a piece but that didn't dampen either side's enthusiasm in this well fought league encounter.
Tigers' skipper Chris Grain won the toss and elected to bat, much to the disappointment of the opposition. Openers Tim Lowe and Baz Floyd were sent out to launch the Tigers innings and looked as though they might get some joy as the Uffington bowlers struggled to find a line or any great speed from a very green wicket. Floyd however was fooled as he watched Uffy bowler Shephard send four wide balls harmlessly down legside then produce a peach of a ball that went straight through the gate and took the hapless opener's middle and off stumps.
Wicketkeeper Huw Neyroud took to the crease next and must have felt confident after some fine recent knocks. But as the Uffington bowlers worked their home advantage, both Neyroud and Lowe continued to struggled to find the momentum the Tigers needed to set Uffy a decent target. A frustrated Neyroud was sent on the long walk back to the pavilion when he played through a ball from Jones and became the second Tiger of the evening to have his stumps broken. A conservative eight for Huw this week but on a track that definitely seemed to be favouring the home side bowlers.
Tigers skipper Chris Grain replaced Neyroud in the centre and, seeing the fates of Floyd and Neyroud before him, decided to take a little time to play himself in and get the measure of the wicket. With Lowe on 17 and on strike however, the Tigers lost their third wicket of the night as he was given out leg before wicket to a straght one from Uffy's North. An unhappy Lowe tapped the inside of the bat to demonstrate to the umpire he had caught an inside edge but the decision stood and the Tigers batting looked to be floundering.
Chris Grain with another text book drive on his way to 37 not out
Hass Olympia, earning his first stripe for the Tigers with this appearance, had other ideas. With Grain now finding the middle of the bat more regularly the powerful Olympia joined him in redressing the balance of the battle. The two top order batsman amassed a partnership of over 80 before Hass finally went for a big heave off Painter and was smartly stumped by Uffington's Wallbridge for a spectacular and often audacious 42.
Hass Olympia cutting his way to an excellent 42
Time for another debutant to take to the crease. Having taken some punishment from Grain and Olympia, the Uffy bowlers wouldn't have relished the prospect of man-mountain Simon Copperwheat striding out to meet them. And, with the overs fast running out, Simon didn't hang around in piling on more runs. Smashing his way to a quick-fire 13, including a huge six, Copperwheat was removed from the crease after being caught by North trying to hit Shephard out of the ground.
Tony Winstone joined anchorman Grain for the last ball and, as Grain watched on with satisfaction as it streaked off to the boundary, he could have felt pleased with his personal knock of 37 not out amongst a very competitive total of 136-5.
With a run rate of 9.06 (6.8 in 20 over format) to chase, the Uffington openers set about their work. Ben McPherson and Tony Winstone tried to thwart the Uffy batsmen in their hunt for runs but after a decent first over, Tony struggled to find a line and length in the second and was subsequently punished.
Ben however had some success, breaking up the partnership with 59 on the board. A neatly taken catch by Chris Grain in the covers and first blood was drawn. But it was a solid start by Uffy and they had plenty more batting to come.
Ben McPherson breaking up the Uffy openers
With the opening bowling partnership back in the field, Ed Juszczak and Hass Olympia took up their bowling duties. Both bowlers kept it tight and picked up wickets, Hass and Huw Neyroud joining up to have another Uffy batsman neatly caught. Simon Copperwheat and Hass Olympia also joined in the catching practice and it became clear that the game was going to have a pretty tense ending.
With Ed and Hass all bowled out, the final bowling duties were handed over to Simon Copperwheat and Robbie Mills; the latter bowling with an injured hand. Sadly for the debutants, by this point the long Uffy batting line up had already pretty much secured victory. Robbie was denied the wicket of big-hitting Lane at the death as Floyd rounded off a thoroughly wretched personal performance by putting down a routine catch he would have normally snapped up. And it was Lane who put the final touches to an accomplished Uffington batting performance, securing with victory with a crisp straight drive for four.
Robbie Mills bowling in difficult circumstances
A great bunch of lads on both sides and a cracking game. No victory for the Ambush again this week but we certainly showed Uffington we're in the league and fighting our corner.
Thanks to every Tiger who turned out for us on Wednesday night and to all the lads from Uffington for being great opposition and a good laugh too. As soon as Uffy's Jimmy Wallbridge gets back to me with their scorebook entries, I'll get the Uffington batting and Tigers bowling in the match report. Watch this space, eh?
Earning their first Tiger stripes in this game were ...
Simon Copperwheat (61): A quick-fire 13, tight bowling and some excellent banter
Hass Olympia (60): A superb 42, an excellent bowling performance and a catch
Robbie Mills (62): A superb fielding performance and unlucky not to have picked up a wicket
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