Yet again an under strength Martley 1’s found themselves digging deep to stay in the game. After winning the toss Mr Mulvihill bravely decided to have a bowl on the basis that if we take more wickets the more bonus points could be achieved. To a point this worked, as predicted 5 Ways went off at a rate of knots Ollie Dunks getting a taste of his own batting style and a very reluctant opening spell from Gandy. Both bowlers taking a hammering at 8+ an over, in fact the first four bowlers went at 8’s. It was not until Messrs Tobey Jones(2/57) and Will Dunks(1/49) who bowled their best spells of the season that some control was regained reigning in the carnage. With the introduction of wily campaigner Stacker Basford (2/25) and some good catching in the deep and not forgetting two stumpings from the chirpy Olly Saunders 5 Ways were temporarily subdued on 311 for 8. Thoughts of a gettable total faded with the reintroduction of stalwart Gandy(2/85) as he was pumped into the adjoining fields, the visitors closing on 354 for 9.
A vast array of cakes appeared for tea courtesy of the WI, very welcome, thanks.
Martley’s reply never really got going apart from a brisk 27 from Dunks the elder and at 53 for 3 it was going to be an uphill task. This got even worse after Tom Vale on his second ball attempted an ugly mow that his future off spring Sohail Vale would be shaking his head at, 53 for 4. Skip Christian Malvern Hills was doing his best to hold things together but after a run a ball 23 from Jones things were looking bleak on 137 for 7. One highlight of the day was to follow, after his non stop ‘ shit banter’ during their innings 5 Ways accorded Olly Saunders a guard of honour clapping him enthusiastically to the wicket, his stay was brief. The Martlets fortunes changed with the last two evergreen batsman Watty (13) and Basford (14) partnering the Skip (89*) to add another 86 runs for the last two wickets. Mulvers displaying some fine drives down the ground one notably ending up on the pavilion pool table, 223 all out.
Two votes of thanks go to Adam York who filled in for Martin Sweet who suffered a rapid stomach upset shortly before the game and the other to Dawn Jackson who made her solo scoring debut doing a marvellous job. Thanks both.
