Croucher Stoically Steers Twoo's Home

Wrecclesham Seconds recorded a victory last Saturday as Barry Croucher led the charge in chasing down Peper Harow's total.

It was one of the hottest days of the year as the toss was taken and Peper Harow chose to bat.

Without the talents of Hayden Newman and James Merryweather, Peter O'Sullivan and Tony 'Pope' Boniface were called up.

The first over, bowled by Mitch 'Golden' Brown (9 - 2 - 29 - 0) from the Pottery End, went by without incident. However, Leo-Jak Carter opened from the other end and sent the Peper Harow captain back to the pavilion first ball!

'Golden' Brown (texture like sun) toiled and toiled but to no avail. It was Leo-Jak (6 - 1 - 10 - 2) at the Railway End that was proving the deadlier of the two. Matty James (5 - 0 - 28 - 1) took a catch at square leg in cool fashion. He then came on to replace Leo and had Peper Harow's James West LBW soon after. This brought to the crease the in-form Mark Andrews. He swiftly set about smashing fours to every corner of the ground. Unfortunately for him, none of his partners stayed around long enough for a large score to be posted.

Scott Newman (4 - 0 - 30 - 2) came on to bowl and had two batsman's bails sprayed in all directions. Nevertheless, Mark Andrews pressed ahead and more bowling changes had to be made.

Steve Houghton (4 - 0 - 16 - 4) was called up. Now to mere mortals, cricket may be jovial, care-free, frivolous affair, but when Steve is in the house, it means only one thing, it's Business Time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGOohBytKTU&feature=related)! Two batsmen were soon sent back playing ill-considered shots to the Dynamic Druid of Dibbly-Dobbly. Furthermore, some great catching from Alex 'Founder's Dining' Hall and Barry 'Bourne Hon. Treasurer' Croucher brought Steve's wicket haul to four.

Barry Croucher chipped in at the end to remove Mark Andrew (54 runs), leaving Peper Harow all out for 127 off 31 overs.

It was decided that after a 5 minute break, Wrecclesham would bat for 5 overs until tea. Mitch and Barry went about the task sensibly. Barry kept out the good balls and Mitch whipped anything slightly leg side for four.

After an incredibly fine tea, Barry and Mitch resumed where they left off. The run rate continued to climb until Mitch was bowled by Mark Andrew (that man again!) attempting to hook to a ball that barely bounced. Bernie 'the Bolt' Bridger joined Barry, and what else can be said? They came in, they put away the bad balls and brought the total to 128 for 1 off 32 overs.

Peper Harow played the game in the right way and rotated the bowling, giving 8 bowlers each a bit of match practice. However, with less than 2 runs an over required for victory, the result was never in doubt. Wrecclesham won and took away 8 points.

by the Ginger Owl.