Skip over navigation

Result - Castle Hill

Sun May 14th Drawn

Match report

I was doubtful this match would ever happen. But happily it did, thanks to a late surge of players (in part due to the cancellation of the Stragglers of Asia match) and the best weekend’s weather of the year so far.

The pitch was, unsurprisingly, on the squidgy end of the spectrum. So firm advice was given to bowl first, taking advantage of the unpredictable bounce and slow outfield. But that meant winning the toss, and my call of “Rhino” (the umpire provided a Botswanan coin) was the wrong one. So in to bat we were sent.

The top order put on a solid start, with contributions from Jim Streeter, debutant Lucas Hancock and Felix Tritton. The backbone of the innings came however from the sixth wicket partnership, with Matt Siebert and Alex Stone putting on 53 runs.

After Stoney’s demise courtesy of a Grannies-esque run-out, in came the Castle Hill-supplied ringer, Matt Davis. It turns out he was rather good. Perhaps I should have taken the hint when he casually mentioned before the match that he captained a Kent league 1st XI side. His quick-fire 33 meant that after 40 overs we had a competitive total of 155. Tea beckoned, and so we made what proved to be a competitive declaration, leaving them about 35 overs to beat us.

We opened the bowling with the two left-arm Toms – Gibbs and Bell. Tom Gibbs set the scene with a wicket maiden in his first over. The opening spell ended after 15 overs, with Castle Hill at 32 for 4 – 3 wickets for Gibbs, 1 for Bell. The next spell, from off-spinner Harry Felgate and seamer Quinton Newcomb, produced two more wickets, and Castle Hill were 52 for 6.

At 17:30, the umpire announced that 20 overs remained. A late surge from the Castle Hill captain Ben Hall, who despite going in at number 9 was their best batsman, meant that, with 7 or so overs to go, all three results remained possible. Cometh the hour, cometh Tom Gibbs, who bowled three tight overs, ably supported by spinner Lucas Hancock from the other end.

In the end, the run chase proved too much for Castle Hill, who dug in in the last two overs, and the match finished drawn with our opponents at 134 for 8.

Man of the Match goes to Tom Gibbs for his bowling performance: 4 for 18 off 11.

Thanks to all who played and to Castle Hill for being excellent hosts as always.

Match info

Also playing: Lucas Hancock, Andrew Speck, Matt Davis

Location
Castle Hill Cricket Club ,
Crook Road,
Brenchley,
TN12 7BW

How to get there
From the North, follow the A21 South, past Tunbridge Wells and Pembury to the Kippings Cross Roundabout. Take the first left off the roundabout and follow the B2160 to Paddock Wood. When you get to the village of Matfield, pass the village pond and go right at the next crossroads, signposted to Brenchley. Enter the village of Brenchley and go left up the hill, opposite the church, signposted to Paddock Wood. At the junction at top of the hill go right onto Crook Road. Follow Crook Road for 1.1. miles. The ground is on your right just before the Castle Public House which is on your left.