Knockers Vs Lemmings

Draw :: Played on Sunday 8th June 2003

Lemmings
205-6

Knockers
205-5

Match Report

In a highly exciting game, Knockers once again managed to claim a draw from the jaws of victory in their first ever match against the Lemmings, with scores level at the end of the twenty overs. On a sunny but windy day at the picturesque St Lawrence ground, visiting captain Simon Wood won the toss and decided to bat, much to the delight of his colleagues. Knockers, having struggled for availability all season, took to the field with just eight men, but with an opening attack of the swing bowling of Paul Seldon and the raw pace of Corin Spencer-Allen, were confident of a strong showing.

Seldon struck first, clean bowling opener Chandler for a duck with an inswinging delivery. This brought England ladies test player Claire Taylor to the crease, and she quickly dispelled any doubts about her ability to play on the men’s stage with a very stylish 22. Opener Greany also batted well for 35 despite good bowling. Eventually a relieved Corin Spencer-Allen removed Taylor caught and bowled off a leading edge, bringing captain Simon Wood to the crease. Knockers captain Steven Trounce then decided on a bowling change, bringing on Guthrie Miller to bowl up the hill. This had immediate effect as he removed Greany with his first ball. However Wood and new bat Myers quickly set about building a partnership and were particularly severe on change bowler Ken Cowan until Cowan removed Myers for 23. Wood continued his innings and went on to make a classy 77 with good support from Baker and Hull to enable Lemmings to declare on 205-6. Despite struggling for control, Miller took 3-35. Both teams then enjoyed an excellent tea prepared by Guthrie Miller and his girlfriend Helen.

With only seven wickets to lose, and with the recent defeat to Shoreham still in mind, Knockers were desperate to get off to a good start to their reply. Stuart Seldon and Paul Styles duly obliged, putting on the kind of big partnership they had threatened to make in previous weeks. Seldon was particularly severe on opener Hull’s first over, plundering three boundaries, and Knockers were well placed at 76-0 at the start of the 20 overs. The required acceleration duly came and with 10 overs to go, Knockers were 135-0. However change bowler Graham was able to break the opening partnership, having Styles (58) smartly stumped by Taylor, bringing Paul Schofield to the crease. Some quick running with Seldon got the scoreboard going but with more than 7 an over required on the slow wicket a draw looked the most likely outcome. This all changed though when Knockers took 30 off Graham’s second over, with Seldon hitting six successive boundaries to take Knockers onto 170. With just five an over now required, victory looked to be in sight. Eventually Seldon (100) brought up his second Knockers ton but in the thick of the run chase, was immediately removed by a leading edge off opening bowler Baker. Knockers were still in the driving seat though, requiring just 17 runs off the final four overs. However some tight bowling from Baker held Knockers back, removing Schofield and Paul Seldon. Eventually Knockers required two off the final delivery of the match, which Guthrie Miller deflected down to fine leg. Miller, clearly playing for his average, decided not to attempt the second run when it looked a possibility, leaving a bemused Corin Spencer-Allen miles out of his ground to be run out. Knockers finished on 205-5.

The team and opposition both returned to the Tap for several jugs at the end of the game, and both sides are hoping for a repeat fixture next year.

 

Batting

Batsman	How Out	4s	6s	Runs
Paul Styles	stumped	8	0	58
Stuart Seldon	caught	14	1	100
Paul Schofield	caught	1	0	13
Guthrie Miller	not out	1	0	8
Paul Seldon	bowled	0	0	1
Corin Spencer-Allen	run out	0	0	1
Ken Cowan	dnb	0	0	0
Steven Trounce	dnb	0	0	0
No Player	dnb	0	0	0
No Player	dnb	0	0	0
No Player	dnb	0	0	0

 

Bowling

Bowler	Overs	Mdns	Runs	Wkts
Paul Seldon	10.0	0	33	1
Corin Spencer-Allen	11.0	1	65	1
Guthrie Miller	8.0	1	35	3
Ken Cowan	6.0	0	55	1