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Result - London New Zealand

Sat Jul 25th The Grannies lose by 6 wickets

Match report

Grannies season starts with a damp squib

Result – Grannies 112-6 (20 overs); LNZCC 113-4 (16 overs). LNZCC win by 6 wickets.

In this most strange of seasons, it would take more than a passing shower or two to prevent this match from getting under way, now that cricket was finally permitted. In fact, not even a summer storm of biblical proportions stopped the Grannies and London New Zealand from completing a rather sodden affair. The result was of secondary importance to just playing the game, but for the record, LNZ notched up a 6 wicket win.

All match managers will know the feeling of comparing multiple weather apps to find the one that gives the best chance of playing. On this occasion, the technology provided a united front – rain coming, and lots of it. Not to be deterred, LNZ agreed to a short T20 match to give the best chance of a result. The ground was wet, the outfield very slippery and the ball was a bar of soap. It got worse from there.

The Grannies sent in the big guns – Theo Tritton and Ali Stokes. Ali hit an excellent 43, ably supported by James Snowden and Felix Tritton. At 77-2 the platform was set for a final push, but alas it never quite came, and the Grannies subsided to 112 for 6.

Given the conditions, it was something to bowl at, but the conditions only got worse. The quick bowlers struggled for footing, the slow bowlers struggled for grip and everyone struggled to keep warm. The heavens opened, and despite the imploring looks of the umpire, no one was leaving. Wickets for the Tritton brothers, Stanners and Henry Davies gave the Grannies a sniff (or sniffle), but the strong LNZ line up weathered the bowling and the rain to complete their task in 16 overs.

It was without doubt the wettest any of us have been on a cricket field, but at least we were on a cricket field. Many thanks to all those involved, to London New Zealand, and to the umpire, who gamely allowed us to continue.

Match info

This match will be played at Temple Grove Cricket Ground in East Sussex. [NB. It is not being played at Sheffield Park this year]

Also played: Theo Tritton

Location
Temple Grove Cricket Ground,
Heron's Ghyll,
Uckfield,
TN22 4BX

How to get there
On the A26, south of Crowborough and North of Uckfield in the grounds of Temple Grove House (part of former Temple Grove School).