Drayton v Winterton 14th June 2008

Drayton 131 Winterton 136-2 Without the services of both opening bowlers, Michael Mario-Ghae and Lee Cornfield, as well as Stewart Forton, Drayton were dealt a further blow just a couple of hours prior to their game with Winterton on Saturday - when Andy Denny had to rush his young son to hospital. The good news is that Nicholas is doing well after spending some seven hours at hospital. On the subject of hospitals congratulations to Paul Eggett on the recent birth of Jack, weighing in at a healthy 8lbs - congratulations to Tracey also!!!

Drayton won the toss and batted on a pitch which was well prepared, as ever, by James Kay despite all of the recent inclement weather. The home side lost Philip Wright early on - LBW on the front foot - for 7, however Tim Woods and Andy Hawes were able to consolidate against some tight Winterton bowling. Their partnership ended with the score on 65, when Hawes, having seen off the opening bowler Larner, flashed at the new bowlers first delivery and was caught behind for 28. Woods was joined by Paul Eggett - and thanks to some smart running from Eggett, the tempo of the innings was lifted. Woods reached a hard earned 50 - however was dismissed immediately afterwards - leaving Drayton at 112-3 in the 37th over. Within four overs, the innings was over for the addition of just 19 further runs. Gary Smith smashed a big straight six, but there was little else to cheer. Without Denny, Drayton were forced to bat with ten men, and were reduced to just four bowlers - the remainder of the six players in the team had accumulated a total of 503 matches for Drayton's first team between them, but had bowled just 1 ball between them in that time!!!

As a result, in defending just 132, all four of Drayton's bowlers had to bowl well and at least two had to bowl exceptionally well. Unfortunately the much needed early breakthroughs didn't come - and Winterton's batsmen were able to pick off the bad ball. When Drayton did get themselves on the board it was down to an exceptional piece of fielding from Robert Reeve. Clarke looked to thump a Gary Foreman delivery over midwicket and seemed to have succeeded, only for Reeve to leap and take a stunning one handed catch. Drayton needed to follow this up with further quick wickets, and despite some near misses, no chances went to hand and Winterton's second wicket pair were able to add 44 before Foreman picked up his second wicket. Once Foreman had finished his spell, the visitors were able to hurry towards their target - however there was time for young Stevie Ridout - fielding in the absence of Andy Denny but too young to bat under league rules - to bowl. His one over was a very tidy maiden and he very nearly picked up the wicket of the vastly experienced Geoff Roper. Andy Hawes was then introduced to the attack and despite bowling a delivery which turned square he was smashed for six second ball to finish the game. Drayton must improve greatly on this performance if they are to stay in the top half of the table and to remain in contention for the top two places.