Barby CC v Napton CC

Captain Sam received a good response for availability in Napton’s first game of the season.
A squad of thirteen all took part in the game, thanks to Sam’s now well-developed rolling use of players.

Napton CC are grateful to Barby CC for the requested venue-switch.
The previous match between these two teams, last September, was’ played on a pleasant sunny afternoon.’
That was not the case for this game.
Although bright and sunny the bitter wind cut across the ground, which at 550 feet above sea-level, offered little protection. Scott, Shackleton or Amundsen would not have been disappointed if recruiting from the hardy souls involved in this game.
However, this was compensated by the warm welcome always received from the players and supporters at Barby CC.

Napton won the toss and elected to bat.
Tom and Joe opened for Napton.
Unfortunately, early in the innings, excellent fielding by the home team caught Joe out of his ground in an attempt for a snatched single.
Ed S and Tom formed a valuable partnership.
Mike, James and Ollie kept the score ticking along and Napton completed their allocated 40 overs on 179-6.

Top scorers:
Tom Hancock 38 runs 5 boundaries inc. 1 six.
Ed Shillitoe 35 runs 7 boundaries.
Mike Eadon 33 runs 5 boundaries inc. 1 six.
Ollie O’Brien 27 runs Not Out 1 boundary
James Cooke 15 runs 1 boundary
Extras 28

With a required run-rate of 4.5 for Barby, Napton’s total didn’t seem quite enough.

The home teams openers steamed ahead, scoring well in excess of the run-rate for the first few overs.
In the eighth over Greg struck via an athletic diving catch by Tom to dismiss batsman No. 1.
In the very next ball Greg clean-bowled the replacement.
In the following over Mike E skittled the remaining opener, changing the balance of the game. Barby 45-3 after nine overs.
However, the home team had quality in depth and kept in touch with the required total.
In Sam’s second spell he took a couple in one over. A ‘Caught & Bowled’ and another into ‘keeper Mike N’s gloves.
JP and Joe, although not taking wickets, bowled really well to keep the scoring in check.
Napton’s fielding was excellent and supported the bowler’s efforts. Rory was particularly active around the field.
Another wicket for Mike E brought the score to 170-6 with six balls to come and 9 runs required for a home-team victory.
The last over, bowled by Sam, was a most unusual affair.
Runs were scored, then Sam seemed to be committing hari-kari with three consecutive ‘wides’.
Three balls left with just 2 runs required.
One went straight into Mike N’s gloves and the next dismissed the batsman.

One ball left, 2 runs required and a new batsman.
Sam steamed in, arms a-flailing, and abandoned the effort on reaching the wicket.
He started his run-in again. On reaching the wicket the batsman returned the favour and withdrew from the crease. Cheers and much amusement around the ground.
Sam’s next effort was delivered --- straight into ‘keeper Mike’s gloves.
Barby 178-7. 1 run short of a tie and 2 runs short of victory.

Wicket-takers:
Sam Sensecall 8 overs 3-40
Mike Eadon 8 overs 2-28 2 Maidens
Greg Tuckley 8 overs 2-37

A good start to Napton’s season.