Martley CC 1st XI v Brockhampton 2nd XI – Match Report
Martley CC win by 8 wickets
It was a moody, brooding sky that greeted players and spectators alike at Martley’s picturesque ground on Saturday, with clouds hanging low and the air heavy with moisture. Brockhampton’s skipper, perhaps reading too much into the overheads and too little into the pitch beneath, elected to bat after winning the toss — a decision that would later be looked back on with furrowed brows.
A brief shower delayed the start by 15 minutes, but when play eventually got underway, it was Martley who seized the early initiative. Tobey R-J, fresh from a technical revamp under the ever-wise Ghandi, steamed in with a spring in his step, while Dan Johnson, recently returned from the capital’s concrete nets, marked his run with business-like precision.
Brockhampton made a frenetic start, with Gabe, Andrew and Clemo getting a few away but largely realising they were in for a bruising afternoon — in some cases, literally. Gabe in particular looked like he’d gone a few rounds with a cannonball machine, peppered by a lively opening burst.
It was Tobey who drew first blood, snatching a sharp caught-and-bowled chance after a couple of meaty hits from Protheroe, Brockhampton’s burly owner-opener. The opening pair of Tobey and Johnson worked in fine tandem, with skipper Christian Mulvihill setting attacking fields and the fielders backing it up with impressive energy.
Three more wickets fell before the rain fell again, halting Martley’s momentum momentarily. But on return, Tobey struck once more, finishing with excellent figures of 4-35 from 8 overs — a spell full of venom and reward for hard work off the field.
Then came Ghandi, quietly effective as always. Ten miserly overs later, his persistence paid off, bowling Protheroe for a hard-fought 78 from 91 balls, ending a key partnership with Foster (41) that had threatened to give Brockhampton a foothold.
With the visitors 162-6, Martley sensed an opening. Though Denman and Stratty couldn’t strike in their combined 7 overs, the skipper turned back to Fulham’s strongest cricketer (and gym advocate) Dan Johnson. Adrenaline-fuelled and with fine fielding support — including two catches and a standout stumping from the sharp O. Saunders — Johnson stormed through the tail to finish with 5-72 from 14.4 overs, earning himself a spot on the honours board. Brockhampton were all out for 192.
Special mention goes to Martley’s fielding unit. From boundary-riders to close catchers, the athleticism on show shaved at least 40 runs off the total. Andrew Leschallas took two smart catches, while bodies were thrown around with reckless abandon — true cricket valour.
The innings break featured two splendid cakes (Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle) and a side of soreen for those needing ballast. All well received, all quickly consumed.
Then came the chase. With the sun blazing and locals lining the outfield in shades and straw hats, Ganderton and Leschallas set off in pursuit of 193.
Ghandi looked in fine touch, stroking three elegant drives to the fence before unluckily picking out the cover fielder. Enter George Denman — Worcestershire CCC’s strength & conditioning coach and now, evidently, Martley’s middle-order enforcer. He brought with him not just calm but also a bag of “Worcs stash” which was gleefully raided by Martley’s skinnier contingent.
After an early life — dropped on 11 at gully (a chance even the Friday Night All-Stars might’ve held) — Denman made Brockhampton pay. Leschallas fell with the score on 31, bringing Mulvihill to the crease, and what followed was a batting clinic.
The skipper played the anchor role to perfection while Denman attacked, dismantling spin and seam alike. One monster six over cow corner even caused minor floral devastation in a nearby garden. Denman’s crisp stroke play, combined with Mulvihill’s elegant drives, saw the scoreboard race along.
The pair added an unbeaten 163-run stand off 183 balls, guiding Martley to victory in style. Denman fittingly hit the winning runs — a well-swept boundary — to bring up his century and secure the win. He finished on a commanding 102 off 116 balls, while Mulvihill supported brilliantly with 54 not out.
Final Summary:
Brockhampton 2nd XI – 192 all out (Protheroe 78, Foster 41, Johnson 5-72, Tobey 4-35)
Martley 1st XI – 193-2 (Denman 102, Mulvihill 54)**
Martley win by 8 wickets
A complete team performance featuring standout efforts with bat and ball, top-drawer fielding, and a tea table to write home about. With momentum building and the honours board freshly inked, Martley CC roll on to their next test — a trip to the ever-charming Harvington CC.
