Brook v Australian Crusaders

Mid-week cricket at its best!

The Australian Crusaders have been touring the UK since the late 1970s and fielded a young, fit and enthusiastic team. Brook combined more experience with their excellent youth!

Pete thoughtfully left the sprinklers on and, in the hottest of summers, the wicket was interestingly moist as the first few deliveries demonstrated. But the Crusaders were quickly into their stride and, at the first drinks break after 16 overs, were 93 for 1 and threatening a big score. Toby Pheasant, captain for the day, managed his bowlers and field placings well and Brook slowly but surely applied the breaks and bowled the opposition out for 201 with a few overs of this 40 overs match to spare. Richie Chibisa (8 0 52 4), George Cook (6.5 0 29 3) and Sam Milliken-Smith (8 1 36 3) shared the wickets but Derek Agge and Rhodri Williams bowled well for no reward. The catching and ground fielding was generally good albeit that Brook's experience gave a few second and third runs to the youthful Crusaders' batsmen.

After a wonderful Bronnie tea, much appreciated by the Crusaders, Brook and guests alike, the Crusaders bowled tightly and exploited the moisture still in the wicket to reduce a strong top order to 17 for 4. Game probably over -- but Derek Agge demonstrating the one-handed lofted on-drive up the hill for 6, Richie, Sam M-S and Rhodri all batted well and showed that, had Brook been able to weather the initial storm and to keep wickets in tact, a famous victory might just have been possible. As it was, the Crusaders ran out worthy winners.

Presentations followed before the main Crusaders party boarded their coach to head home while a few remained to sample Dave's brews at the D&P. A wonderful day of mid-week cricket with the MCC next up on Wednesday week!