Swanton Morley v Drayton 5th August 2007

Swanton Morley 249-7 Drayton 246-7 Drayton narrowly came out on the wrong end of a high scoring game on Sunday, played in sweltering heat, albeit with a strong breeze blowing from one end of the ground. Drayton unfortunately lost a crucial toss and were consigned to a long afternoon's toil in the field. Swanton opener Damien Ryan had to retire hurt after being hit in the face by an ill directed Matt Bourne full toss - however with a true pitch and lightning fast outfield boundaries were struck ar regular intervals. The only breakthrough prior to the first drinks break came when Jason Trett bowled G. Raines for 5. However, shortly after drinks dangerman Ricky Forder was run out - resultant from an excellent stop and throw from Sam Giacomelli and good gather from Phil Jolly. Home batsman Barry Green took the attack to Drayton, by now joined by the returning Ryan. An excellent spell from Darren Flatt was eventually rewarded with the wicket of Ryan in his last over for 33. Green continued to plunder boundaries and Drayton were left to rue some dropped catches as he moved to an excellent century. Late wickets from Bourne and Giacomelli saw Drayton take three bonus points. However, whilst bowling into the wind was clearly difficult for every bowler during the day, conceding over 50 extras was not good enough.

In reply Drayton set after the home bowlers with positive intent. After 5 overs, 29 runs were already on the board with Tim Woods and Philip Wright both finding the boundaries. As in Swanton's innings the drinks break bought a wicket as two balls after the restart Woods was caught in the gully for 29 with the score on 82. Sam Giacomelli joined Wright at the crease and the pair continued to find the boundaries regularly - Wright reaching his half century with a brace of fours off Raines in the 16th over. Wright (73 - inc 13 fours and 1 six) and Giacomelli (38 - inc 7 fours) were both dismissed with the score on 153, but this was far from the end of the Drayton challenge. Stuart Bowes took the long handle to the bowlers - hitting a rapid 24, and even after the retirement of Tony Gregory, Daz Flatt started striking the ball as cleanly as ever. 14 runs were struck off the 33rd over, and 15 from the 36th - including one enormous six which cleared the trees at the bottom end of the ground (and probably landed in Bawdeswell). Eventually, Drayton required 11 to win from the final over - however Flatt perished for 53 (inc 5 fours and 3 sixes) and the task of striking a six off the final ball proved to much to leave Drayton three runs short. A brave batting display restored some confidence to the morale which had been flagging at the tea interval - however a more disciplined display in the field (with fewer extras) will be required in the final three weeks of the season.