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Result - Earl de la Warr's XI

Sat Jun 17th Grannies lost by 33 runs

Match report

For the 3rd consecutive year the Grannies came up short vs his Lordship's XI. He's a canny one is EDLW. We arrived to find our umpire tucking in to the complementary barrel of Harveys bitter (0-1), the prepared tea was designed to widen waistlines and dull the senses (0-2) & the prospect of an excellent post game BBQ at the adjacent Dorset Arms appeared to reduce our focus on the game in hand (0-3). It would be a little strong to suggest that cricket got in the way of a good lunch but.....

As for the detail...we lost the toss (no Chris Cowdery to spar with this year sadly) & were invited to field. Scoring was steady despite Stoney snaffling a couple of wickets via excellent grabs by Sam Pougatch & Ollie Penton. Hill, Pou Jr (1-30) & Siebert (3-32) bowled well but never managed to quite keep a lid on the run rate & the innings closed at 179-8 in 30 overs. Special mention must be given to Mark P's keeping. According to their number 3 "It was like batting with the radio on". Also to Bob Percival, who fielded despite receiving a ball in the eye while keeping earlier in the week. None of this dropping out with a "hurty" from our former Chairman. A lesson to us all !

In reply, where the Grannies were bowling 4 good and 2 wayward balls per over, the EDLW XI were on the money, making scoring at the required rate hard going. Big Jim & Ollie P both fell playing aggressive strokes while the redoubtable Tim Brocklehurst (25) remained calm & collective at the other end, albeit gasping for a fag. As the game progressed and wickets fell the father & son combo of Mark & Sam Pougatch picked up the mantle. Sadly after a purposeful 20 from Sam, a dogged 27 from Mark, & a fine late order flurry from Tom Bell (26), the innings ran out of steam with the Grannies closing on 146-8.

Despite the loss, this was another memorable day. A presentation at the close saw his Lordship presented with a Grannies sweater in thanks for his generous hospitality, which he was clearly very taken with. From there players, friends and families all decanted to the pub for yet more food & drink....

Match info

Also played : Ollie Penton

Location
Withyham Cricket Club,
Buckhurst Park,
Withyham,
Crowborough,
TN7 4BD

How to get there
The ground is on the Buckhurst Estate, behind the Dorset Arms in Withyham. The entrance is off the B2110, through the gates near the post box. Car parking is 500m along the estate road on the left.