A Great Performance On A Difficult Pitch

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Saturday 1st XI vs Frimley

 

Putney 1s took on top of the table Frimley in what would be the first true test of the league. Bringing in the confidence of a good win in the cup the previous week, Frimley would have a tough game on their hands. The weather unfortunately did favour cricket and the game would be played on a wet pitch with the threat of rain always about.

As was becoming customery, Putney lost the toss and were sent in to bat. A last minute change to the top order saw Gary Peters face the new ball for the first time in almost 3 years. This would prove to be the wisest move possible (A rare tactical gem from Will Middleton). On a pitch that offered enormous assistance to the new ball, GP and Devon Ebersohn battled hard. As the new ball was soaked up the score crept along to 48 off 21 overs. Gp was then trapt in front and Putney fell from 48 for 1 to 76 for 6 in the space of 7 overs. With Frimley now firmly on top the Putney rear guard sparked into action. Contributions from Dylan Ramsay (17), Will Middleton (21) and Chin Ratnayake (25) saw Putney through to 146 all out. A total at least 50 more than Frimley thought they would be chasing.

After tea Frimley set about their chase. The overheard plans of "Knock it off in 20 overs boys" from Frimley looked to be coming true as boundries were struck with authority in the opening 5 overs. This all started to change as the Putney attack began to find the correct length for the wicket. Will Middleton (8-3-16-3) struck first with unplayable cutter delivered at pace. Gary Peters (12-4-25-5) then got in on the action removing the number 3. Suddenly the pitch which appeared to have become benign during tea sprung to life. A relentless barrage of fast lifting deliveries from both openers saw Frimley absolutetly crumble. In the space of almost 10 overs Frimley lost 8 wickets for 20 runs. Batsmen were barely at the crease long enough to finish taking guard. Frimley then attempted a recovery and were 68 for 8. This rebellion was quashed when Piers Jackson (1.2-0-3-2) swung a delivery aiming for 3rd slip back onto the outside of off stump. The batsman, along with all the fielders, just watched as physics were set aside for one delivery... Frimley 68 all out!

A great performance on a difficult pitch where the side that adjusted to the conditions the best won the game. A good test a Putney side looking for promotion. With a long season still ahead the intensity will need to be maintained and sterner tests will follow in the coming months.

Devon Ebersohn

August 15, 2012