Sheffield Collegiate CC - 5th XI vs Stocksbridge CC, Yorks - 3rd XI
As nobody from the 5ths has posted a report thought I would have a go. For probably the first time this season Ben won the toss. Having decided to bowl both Josh Varley and Laurie Brennan had to cope with difficult conditions. It was Josh who got the first wicket getting the opener going back to one LBW for 9.
With Stocksbridge only bringing 9 (other 2 probably thought no play to day) in effect that was 3 down. Lacey senior next to join the party taking a catch in the covers getting Laurie his wicket.
Then came the Ben Shaw road show with a superb supporting act from Josh taking 3 catches at silly point the second, a ball driven at waist height I thought could not be bettered how wrong I was his 3rd catch at ankle height was sublime what reactions. So those 3 catches plus a stumping from Stuart Watson (you never loose class) and a nice turner bowling the lead run maker was 5 for Ben.
The innings was closed by a nice catch by Laurie picking up a wicket for Simmo the elder, who for the second week bowled very tight. A word for Garse who took a nasty tumble but picked himself and carried on. Udall and Pickford combined age a lot given the job of long off and long on at both ends required oxygen instead of the teas. Stocksbridge all out 93 after 31 overs.
The reply.
The fives start with Udall and the youngest Pickford . Usual sermon from the elder 1.5 runs per over so no need to do anything silly. 3 overs gone he pulls first ball in the over for four through fence tries it again on last ball does not follow his own advice. Next in Andrew Stevens, Stocksbridge sensing a collapse put pressure on and both the juniors go for single digits. So we have Lacey and Watson senior at the crease who basically take few risks and progress the score along till Watson plays on for 26. Ben comes and goes (see shout box) giving the umpire (me) words of advice (hmmm scoring next week if lucky) Josh arrives to steady the ship, but Lacey senior departs caught for 12 so Picko arrives at crease and its another not out to his name with Josh hitting a quick 27 including a six of a no ball at head height.
We will enjoy it now as its Totley next Saturday, my fetlock playing up skip.