Crescent batsmen left wanting on a green Jevington surface

Ever-changing forecasts throughout the week always put this fixture in the greatest of doubts. Nonetheless, the Crescent party arrived at the quintessentially English country venue of Jevington in dry, if not slightly cooler than usual conditions. The order of the day remained very much in this fashion, despite the occasional shower, which was never strong enough to take us off the field.

The toss was an Indian-esque style formality with the opposition having no qualms about electing to field first on a green wicket that appeared to be a mere extension of the outfield.

The talented and circumspect duo of Matthew Wood and Benn Pomfrett were asked to open the innings by captain for the day, Matt Lawson. The opening over set the tone of a disappointing innings as Matt Wood fell without scoring, playing around a straight one. Nick Hollands fell shortly after, holing out to point for 3, leaving us in trouble at 8-2. The unfamiliar partnership of Pomfrett and Malby proved to be what was required given our lethargic start to the innings. The pair put on a sensible fifty runs for the third wicket, albeit at a gentler tempo than has become usual. Nonetheless, this highlighted our psychological inability as a team, often refusing to dig in when most needed on wickets that aren’t flat or offering bounce. Terry came and went for 2 following the dismissal of Alan, who appeared to genuinely enjoy his battling stay at the crease, it was a pleasure to watch, although, Benn’s running at times was slightly questionable, we’re not all long distance champions.

With around fifty minutes to go until tea, the next phase of the game prevented us from scoring the, perhaps par, 150 required to be competitive. Matt Lawson, Benn Pomfrett and Dean Rahaman all fell with the score on 79, leaving us seven down, the former being run out having compiled an elegant twelve and looking in imposing form.

For the first time this season the tail were required to go out and score some runs. Dmitry Morgan scored a longwinded 2 in an important partnership of 15 with Jamie Will; this was succeeded by a partnership of 24 between Jamie and Simon Wood, running effectively between the wickets and both playing deliveries on their respected merit. Jamie was eventually run out for a well-constructed 25. Richard Hall was unfortunately the victim of a flick on run out by the bowler, courtesy of a sensational straight drive by Simon Wood, who was left stranded on 7*. Your big innings for the Crescent will come very soon, Richard.

Tea, again, as has become the norm at Jevington, was of a superlative standard. I needn’t elaborate for those who have ever played the fixture. Get your name down next season, it’s comfortably worth the match fee alone. Despite a slightly heavier downpour over the course of the interval, it never got strong enough to enable abandonment of ship.

Defending 120 was always going to be difficult, however, Matt Lawson had opposition captain, Page, bowled for a duck in his first over, the perfect start. Moreover, a very loud LBW appeal against the talented Shaw, facing his first ball, was turned down, and this could have proven to be the difference between a really hard fought match. Shaw rushed to 37 before being smartly stumped by Terry Garoghan off the bowling of Dmitry Morgan. Dean replaced Matt and bowled a quick spell, conceding only twelve runs in five overs, however, he rarely threatened the stumps. Richard Hall latterly replaced Dmitry and bowled a fine spell of 1-10 off four overs before demanding to be replaced in order to protect his economy and average, dubious!

Jamie Will tried hard from the other end taking 0-26 off 6, never quite finding his rhythm with the ball. R. Scott continued to battle well and made a technically correct 47* to win the game for Jevington. Matthew Wood came on for what was to be the final over of the game and was despatched first ball to the boundary, perhaps unfairly thrown into the limelight.

We all shook hands afterwards as the game was played in a friendly spirit. The Eight Bells was booming with the Blues and floor fillers all afternoon (resulting in some questionable shapes being thrown by Alan Malby and Terry Garoghan in the field) due to a local beer festival, and consequently provided the perfect post-match retirement spot for a few well deserved beverages.

Going into our annual tour, I feel it’s important to reiterate our friendly, inclusive nature as a club. Whilst winning has steadily become the priority of many Sunday sides across the country, we must hold aloft the mantra of opportunity and enjoyment, most characteristic of the Crescent’s well established identity.