Sun May 26th The Grannies win by 97 runs
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Match report
On a slightly grey day, a Grannies side bolstered by a handful of ringers and one player donated by the oppo took on Goodwood, hoping to improve on the previous year’s emphatic defeat.
We batted first and got off to a solid start, with captain Adam Parkinson and Sam Armitage putting on 103. Armitage, taking the opportunity to bat on a rather better track than the ones his league club, Caterham, generally get to use, shook off the effects of his Saturday at the rugby sevens and unfurled some characteristically stylish strokes. After the first wicket fell, he was joined by George Mann, who proceeded to test the limits of Sam’s endurance by scampering ones, twos, and threes in a very un-Grannies kind of way.
Sam eventually fell for a 103, grateful for the opportunity of a lie down after a magnificent knock, the highlight of which was a splendid pick up for six that hit the thatched roof of the pavilion. The innings was drawing to a close, with just about time for George to reach his half century before falling, perhaps appropriately run out, for 55.
So, the Grannies took the field with fully 227 to defend and a potent bowling attack loose and raring to go. In fact, the openers proved rather too potent, with Tom Gibbs and Digby Don bowling a bit too quickly for the Goodwood batters’ comfort. After they reduced the home side to 22 for 3, both were withdrawn to protect both their figures (Gibbs 4-3-1-0, Don 5-0-13-3) and the opposition batsmen.
The backup bowlers, Jon Staniforth and Mike Fernie, were less of a physical threat, but continued to put pressure on the batsmen, picking up regular wickets and keeping things tight. A spirited 53 from the Goodwood number six took their score above 100, but they never managed to put together the kind of partnership they needed to get close to the Grannies total.
Matt de Lacey, a Goodwood player guesting for the Grannies, followed his nine not out with the bat by bowling a tidy spell of 5-0-21-1 as the game moved towards its finish. As the weather closed in, Rob March, a second Caterham player, stepped in to wrap things up with a couple of wickets. Goodwood finished on 129.
Thanks to everyone who played, especially Matt from Goodwood and Sam and Rob from Caterham.
Match info
A good ground that offers both a competitive game and a cracking tea. And it's an afternoon game, so nice and quick!
Also playing: Rob March, Sam Armitage, Alan Parkinson
Location
Goodwood Park,
Chichester,
PO18 0PX