Knockers Vs Linton Park

Win :: Played on Sunday 28th August 2016

Linton Park
192-8

Knockers
193-4

Match Report

This fixture will surely go down in history as the Knockers’ first development game. With an average age of 17 the team showed that it is not experience that is needed to win games, but having 8 more than useful bowlers helps a lot.

Clearly the more enthusiastic of the two teams we made good time despite the horizontal rain and the damaged bridge closing the way to most of Kent. Believing the game to have a 1pm start, we turned up eager and fresh faced and by 13:05 with no sign of the opposition a tactical decision was made not to warm up but sit around and wait.

After the Linton Park captain had arrived Calver went out for the toss under the instruction of his team to push for a T20. More than happy to compromise for a 35 over game Calver demonstrated his skill at negotiating and returned to the changing room 30 seconds later to inform the team that we were to bowl in a timed game with 20 overs to be bowled after six. We were kindly loaned a fielder for our innings to give us ten in the field.

A lack of bowling was not to be the issue today with everyone playing their part. A. Kinsler O’Sullivan and Goodson opened and toiled hard but the Linton park openers were looking strong. Chances began to arrive and F. Kinsler O’sullivan took a smart catch at short extra to dismiss Austin (10) who was beginning to look settled off Goodson's bowling. The other opener was also removed by Anton caught behind while Nelson survived a strong caught behind shout early on.

A change of bowling led to Springett bowling a tight and testing line, shaping the ball nicely without the reward he deserved. F. Kinsler O’sullivan carried on from where his brother left off and was the sharpest in the team but he too struggled for a breakthrough against the myriad of shots presented by the unorthodox style of Nelson.

Another change brought about the debut of Ward and Burgess. Burgess tied down one end and brought the pressure required for Ward to cash in with three much needed wickets. Ward bowled with intelligence and class earning the wickets of Nelson (36), Newman (0) and Wright (4) and was the pick of the bowlers amidst a fine fielding display. His over of experimental spin is best forgotten. Burgess, unable to find the stumps while bowling, did so in fine style with a class run out putting pressure on a total well below par. Boomaars was unlucky to have Calver drop yet another behind the stumps and Goodson was unable to grab the rebound at slip. The Linton Park captain signalled for his declaration after the batsman were content on blocking the last few balls which was the theme of their laboured innings of 192 for 8.

Ward decided he should lead the team off and Goodson requested it be noted in the match report. Tea was more than adequate with pizza, sandwiches and array of cakes. A lack of sausage rolls was duly noted but at the break the game was hanging in the balance. Only having two out and out batsman the chase would be tricky and only having nine players would only count against us.

Springett and Boomaars looked comfortable seeing off their openers with Springett staying solid and Boomaars (6) cashing in on anything short. After three years without a game of cricket it was his classy one to third man that gave him the confidence he needed. Castle’s consistent line did for his off stump and Ward entered the ring. After the standard few flakey shots he looked set and dismantled the attack with ease. The pick of the shots was a nonchalant flick over midwicket for 6 before he too fell victim to a waft and was caught at slip for 42. The Linton Park celebration ended with their wicket keeper being struck on his bottom after dropping to the floor fearing the impact of the leather.

Springett chopped on following a good 31 and Woodthorpe came to the crease at 64 for 2. Calver and Woodthorpe held strong in a partnership of 130 grinding out ones and twos against the first and second change bowlers. Woodthorpe (57*) played with finesse and with very few chances being given away he deserved his maiden half century. With two to win Calver (40) deposited a swipe to mid on and had to watch from the pavilion as Goodson (0*) and Woodthrope secured victory with 6 wickets to spare.

Ward was clearly MVP for the day but it was a triumph for the club that we can win against the odds. Drinks were had with the teams after the game and both sides look forward to the game next year.

RC

 

Batting

Batsman	How Out	4s	6s	Runs
Ed Springett	bowled	0	0	31
Will Boomaars	bowled	0	0	6
Hugo Ward	caught	0	0	42
Richard Calver	caught	0	0	40
Michael Woodthorpe	not out	0	0	57
Rory Goodson	not out	0	0	0
Finn Kinsler O'Sullivan	dnb	0	0	0
Anton Kinsler O'Sullivan	dnb	0	0	0
Ben Burgess	dnb	0	0	0

 

Bowling

Bowler	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts
Anton Kinsler O'Sullivan	5.0	0	32	1
Rory Goodson	5.0	0	15	2
Finn Kinsler O'Sullivan	8.0	0	41	1
Ed Springett	4.0	1	8	0
Michael Woodthorpe	4.0	0	15	0
Hugo Ward	6.0	1	29	3
Ben Burgess	5.0	1	23	0
Will Boomaars	3.0	0	14	0