Dorchester – Away – OCA League

Massive thanks to the new Nick Burton (Aka NiB) for putting together a match report for last weekend’s game.

On a hot day Colin lost the toss and Dorchester unsurprisingly invited us to field, although Colin went some way to redeeming himself with a good catch diving forward at mid off to give Duncan his first wicket of the day.

The temperature rose a few more degrees when Duncan engaged in what could diplomatically be termed ‘healthy debate’ with their opening batsman regarding batting technique. To his great credit he channelled his aggression after that and bowled a fine spell. At the other end, Ryan was bowling well but it was Duncan’s day to get the wickets, finishing up with 4 for 32.

The first three wickets went down quickly, including a sharp chance at first slip that Toby pouched very smoothly. Dorchester then consolidated and the shackles were starting to be broken, with James Neal savagely dispatching any short deliveries through midwicket. This was the cue for Duncan to bowl that well known wicket-taking delivery, the low full toss, which Neal miscued to midwicket and I took a catch that apparently looked good from a distance.

This restarted the fall of wickets, with Barry picking up two and Steve Yates blowing away the lower order with a devastating spell of 3 for 2 in 3 overs to leave Dorchester 96 all out after just 28.4 overs.

We went straight back out for our innings and started brightly until Colin’s middle stump was sent cartwheeling. Barry then drilled the ball towards cover with a rasping drive which was caught by the fielder in the interests of self preservation. Ian played some attractive shots and was looking very comfortable until he and Olly departed in successive deliveries to leave us 40 for 4.

Ryan and I then saw us through to tea, at which point we needed 40 to win from 30 overs. Although Ryan was out to a good ball just after tea, Duncan came in and finished off the job to give us the win by five wickets.

MOTM – Duncan for his four wickets and closing out the match with the bat
Champagne moment – my catch
Pig’s ear – Ian for his slow motion misfield at point