A handy innings Wardy
After a morning deluge, thoughts turned to the Pirelli stadium and our national sport played in inclement weather rather than to the sound of leather on willow. Mick had decided on a bowl should he win the toss with the possibility of being in and out very high. Alas the coin fell wrong and we were of out to bat under darken clouds and a stiff breeze. Keith Widdows (29) opened with a little more urgency and determination and looked a little closer to Fred Astaire than Mr Blobby this week as he got his feet moving and was calling for ‘quick’ singles. Andy Ward (123) at the other end was a little more cautious facing 13 balls before getting off the mark, once started Andy attacked and was on 31 when Keith got a top edge and was snapped up by the keeper; 71 for 1 off 14 overs. Dave Gallagher (13) marched in and soon dispatched a short ball for 4 and then another for 6 before playing across the line once too often and being bowled out. Henry Parker (36) complimented Wardy for the next 17 overs and was the first to congratulate Andy on achieving his maiden century. A total made without too many frights although at both 98 and 99 Andy was still taking chances, the 100 included 14 fours . A 6 and a four later were included in a 121 partnership that ended when Henry was caught going for a shot over the top from a slow bowler that had been brought into the attack. Liam Goode (0) ever the aggressor saw the ball loop up to him his eyes lit up but the slog sweep went straight to hands at square leg. Dan Dolby (6) wanted a bit of the action and was soon charging the slow bowler but he too perished caught on the boundary going for a big shot. At this time Andy Ward had been caught at Mid On bringing together Dan Featherstone (24 not out) and Steve Dolby (44 not out). They both took a shine to the spin bowler and one of the openers that was brought back at the end. With Steve hitting 6 fours and a six and Dan hitting 2 fours and a six, they had a partnership that put on 71 in the last 8 overs; 310 for 6 at tea.
Adam Roe (6 overs 2 maidens 0 for 23) opened the bowling with last week’s man of the match Brad Hambleton (6 overs 2 maidens 2 for 28) starting with two more maidens at the other. In the 6th over Brad launched a hand grenade that hit the opener in the box as it was homing in on his castle, LBW one wicket down. 2 runs later the other opener plays French cricket and another easy LBW decision is made. 17 for 2 off 6 overs; at 53 for 2 Dan Dolby (6 overs 1 maiden 2 for 26) and Dan Featherstone (6 overs 2 maidens 4 for 28) bowled in tandem. A caught and bowled, a bad bowl that was toed to Mick Acton and a bowled saw Dan take 3 wickets for 20 off 4 overs but a 4th wicket should have been snaffled up by Steve Dolby senior in the slips but escaped his clutches. A Steve admitted later that it was a ploy to give Dan Dolby a little confidence, allowing him to bowl the same batsman out next over. Excellent plan Steve as wicket number 7 and the second for Dan followed shortly after. Dan Feather was not finished as an excellent catch from Dave Gallagher gave spanner his 4th wicket. At 114 for 8 Steve Dolby (2.2 overs 1 for 3) and Liam Goode (2 over 1 for 9) took centre stage Liam taking wicket 9 and Steve getting the 3rd LBW decision of the afternoon.
Barton 5 points Rolleston 27 points. This was a great toss to lose and a day to remember for Man of the match Andy Ward.