Blackheath show why they are top of the table…..

Having made the error of winning the toss for the 2nd time this season, the error was compounded by choosing to bat first. The wicket had a bizarre appearance and the expectation was that it would get worse as the game progressed. Sadly this wasn’t the case.

Blackheath’s veteran seamer, Rupert Staple, bowled miserly opening spell and his opening partner equally made this hard work for Mote openers Jason White and Howard Waters. With some seam movement, the main issue was variable pace and bounce, making timing shots very hard. Waters was the first to go, playing across the line to a straight delivery to be bowled for a painstaking 2. Nick Waite was removed shortly after to a delivery that rose sharply from a good length, edging behind. Kraig Corke was the next to go, leaving the home side in trouble at 33-3 from 14 overs.

Thankfully, Jason White and Dan Taylor fought back and with bowling changes being made, scoring became easier. The pair began to bring the home side back into the game, putting on 100 and both passing 50. Upon reaching this mark, Jason White skied a catch to mid-wicket and 2 overs later, Dan Taylor was also dismissed – leaving two batsmen on 0 at the crease. Laurence Waters and Ben Pitkin put on 60 at a run a ball and when Waters was dismissed, Pitkin kept the scoring going to get The Mote to a respectable 207-6 from 50 overs.

During The Mote innings, the unfortunate collision between our umpire Gordon Littlewood and Ben took place – Gordon had to leave the field and Micky Back took over. Gordon subsequently has had a right hip replacement but is hoping to watch the 1st XI this Saturday!

Blackheath got off to a fast start, with Ollie Hills giving a little too much width at times, which the Blackheath opener pounced on. The score rattled along until Conor Davis produced a wonder catch of his own bowling to take the first wicket. Unfortunately this was as good as it got for some time as the 2nd wicket pair took full advantage of some errant Mote bowling. It wasn’t until Ollie Hills returned to the action that the 2nd wicket was taken, as he induced an edge to leave Blackheath 153-2. Hills proceeded to take two more wickets but the Blackheath number 3 batted well to keep the score board moving. Pitkin managed to take the 5th wicket and a 2nd bowling point, but eventually Blackheath cruised to a 5 wicket win with 8 overs to go.

So ultimately not the best day at the office for the 2’s however no shame in losing to a very good 2’s outfit. Their top 3 batsmen are the top 3 run scorers in the division and shows the strength in depth they have in their club.

What was pleasing though were the performances of the two 15 year olds, Ollie Hills and Conor Davis, who both continue to learn and impress as the season goes on.