1st XI Match Report

DATE: Saturday 18th June 2005
OPPONENTS: Hampton
VENUE: Marsh Lane, Solihull
RESULT: Match Drawn
POINTS: Atherstone 16pts Hampton 9pts

Atherstone were a whisker away from gaining a 24 point maximum at Hampton on Saturday.

On a surface that gave bowlers assistance all afternoon in blistering heat, Adders openers Dave Blower and skipper Vic Clements laid an excellent foundation for the visitors putting on 120 for the first wicket.  After overcoming some uneven bounce with the new ball the experienced duo produced an array of shots until both fell in quick succession in the middle of the innings.  Clements made 60 including 8 boundaries and Blower weighed in with 55 which included 3 sixes and 6 boundaries.

The tempo was picked up in the middle order in typical style with keeper Luke Reeves hitting a quickfire 32 from 23 balls including 2 big sixes, Matt Pickering and Simon Grayson each chipping in with 19 apiece.  Mike Pickering continued his recent good form and fell just 4 short of a well deserved half century but his contribution ensured the Atherstone total pushed beyond the “250 mark”, the 7^th time in 8 matches that the batsmen had scored over 200 runs from their 50 overs.

In reply Hampton were tottering on 34 for 2 in the 13^th over as seamers Pickering and Matt Soworski made the early breakthrough.  However, a spirited response saw Saeed (68) and Ali (56) put on 117 for the 3^rd wicket in 21 overs putting the Solihull side in a strong position to push for victory.  Both rode their luck as they played positively against the Adders attack but Ali’s needless run out proved to be the turning point.  Clements completed an excellent all-round display by claiming 4 for 64 from 14 overs including the dangerous looking Saeed.  His return would have been even better if the visitors had received better luck from a couple of decisions late on which may have brought a hard-earned victory.  Ger Thomas also worked hard in the heat and was a little unlucky with just a 1 wicket return from his 12 over spell as the home side continued to press for victory until their 9^th wicket fell.

Scoreboard