Match Report - 2nd XI vs. Ashford Town (a) - 12th June 2021
Fielding a fairly strong 2nd XI despite several key injuries to a number of players in the squad, skipper Shepherd claimed the toss (due to having an umpire and Ashford not having an umpire) and chose to field first in the searing heat. The idea behind that was the strength in batting that Tonbridge had and the belief that Ashford were the same.
Ashford started steadily, with only a few half chances, as they were circumspect in reaching 83 for 1 off 23 overs. Patel and Shepherd had kept it relatively right, Topham behind the stumps was keeping the odd leg side delivery from going for 4, sharp and enthusiastic fielding also helped to keep the score down. Gary Sutton, Ashford’s best batsman, went in to open up and helped push the score along nicely. Mark Burns bowled some lovely left arm spin, ensuring a few half chances and bowling the dangerous Harcourt. Helyar yorked Neil at egg, but despite some fantastic bowling from Abdul Raheem, Ashford scored heavily in the last 10 overs, scoring heavily to post 222 with Peter Shields hitting a clean and crisp 48 not out.
So would the plan work, given the energy sapping sun when fielding?
Steve Allen was out cheaply cutting to cover. Michael Topham looked beautiful when batting, only to leave a delivery that clean bowled him. Mark Stokes looked like he would reach a good score, only to be out LBW. However, the talented Helyar at first was circumspect, but later opened up and was ably supported as they kept up with the 7 runs an over required. Once both were out a flurry of wickets, in came Ben Hoey, needing 8 an over. Chris Sargeant helped to keep in touch, playing clever cricket. A few swishes from Ben Hoey and the home team were concerned - but one mighty 6 won the game!
Bowling - Shepherd for keeping it tight, Raheem for bowling beautifully at the death and Burns for looking dangerous despite going for 6 an over.
Batting - Burns for the supporting role, Sargeant for clever batting but Helyar for yet another top class innings.
Well played gents.
Tony Shepherd
