Cowley CC v Westbury On Severn CC. Sunday 9th May 2021

Keith won the toss on a bright, fresh May afternoon over at the lovely ground of Westbury On Severn.
Dave and Jonny were nominated to open. Facing some disciplined bowling Jonny mistimed one to be caught on 4. Adrian made a watchful start but one crept under his defences to bowl him for just a couple. Jon H also couldn't find his timing and was caught without scoring. Cowley had slumped to 21 for 3 in the 10th over. The bowling changes didn't really bring any respite as Dave continued to be watchful and built a useful partnership of 30 with Joel who played very nicely for 16 before being stumped. Keith joined Dave but couldn't quite make his ground when called through for a quick single and was run out for a couple. 57 for 5. Eric joined the ever steady Dave, and played very positively as we looked to tick the scoreboard over with a little more urgency. His innings was cut short in mid flow as he picked out a fielder and was caught for a brisk 27 (including 4 fours). Cowley were 100 for 6 with 6 overs remaining. Ed was the next man in, and just the man for our situation. He took the attack to Westbury and without ever resorting to slogging, scored 38 vital runs (including 2 maximums and 3 fours), threatening to catch Dave who ended up carrying his bat on 40 not out.
Chasing 148 to win, Westbury began their reply as Louis and Joel opened the bowling. Louis bowled a teasing spell and was rewarded with a top edge being pouched by Adrian with the gloves on. Joel bowled well for his first game of the season, getting some decent swing and was unlucky to go wicketless (not helped by a drop in the field). By this point it is worth mentioning that the pleasant May afternoon had turned and the drizzle and cold was more reminiscent of November. Eric coming on first change with the now wet ball, forced the error from the other opener who was caught by Keith at long on for 32. Ed caught the incoming batter at backward point as Eric claimed his second victim of the afternoon. Phil picked up a wicket, bowling the no5 as the no3 retired on a very well made half century. Keith was unable to make further inroads but it was an inspired spell by Dave Holt that really lifted the Cowley spirits and put us back in the game. He hit an excellent line and length that foxed the opposition batters, hitting the timbers 3 times. Westbury were 7 down, and despite a testing couple of overs from Ed they crossed the line without further upset to win by 3 wickets with 5 overs to spare.
Another defeat, but it felt great to have given our opposition a match, and if we had held on to a couple more catches who knows how close we could have made it. Much to be cheerful about, and there will be warmer days ahead.