Wed Jul 12th The Grannies lose by 10 wickets
Photo gallery
Players
Match report
The Grannies gathered at Sheffield Park on Wednesday 12th July to play the touring IZingari Australia side for the third time in, I think 15 years. The Grannies won the toss and elected to bat and our early order built a decent platform, Finn Kirkland (guest) 51 and Sam Holden-Craufurd (guest) 19 two leavers from the Tonbridge XI were together after Sam Packer fell. IZ then discovered that the wicket took a bit of spin and had variable bounce. Our batting then never got going and the guileful slow left arm of Andy Nuttal (11-5-23-2) and fast leg spin of Sebastian Hodge (7-2-21-2) pinned us down as wickets tumbled, seven dismissals in single figures. Grannies all out shortly after lunch for 93.
With a small total to defend it was "death or glory" and we attacked with at least two difficult chances not quite sticking. Our bowling, not bad at all, didn't quite find the necessary early wickets to generate pressure and IZ made easy going of it for the match to finish disappointingly early.
IZ were superb guests as always and after photos and a presentation we retired to the Griffin Inn for a pint and a sing with Jim Manzie and guitar, the senior tourist.The day ended in a very convivial setting despite a disappointing Grannies performance.
Match info
Also playing: Paddy von Behr, Tom Cotterell, Angus Oliver, Finn Kirkland, Sam Holden - Craufurd
Location
Sheffield Park,
Forest Row,
TN22 3QX
How to get there
The Cricket Ground is within the National Trust's famous Sheffield Park Garden, Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3QX Telephone: 01825 790231. It lies midway between East Grinstead and Lewes, 5 miles north west of Uckfield, on the east side of the A275 (between A272 and A22).
Use the main entrance off the A275, signed Sheffield Park and Garden. Follow the sign to the visitors car park. Continue past the car park through the two sets of wooden gates. If the gates are locked the number for the padlocks is 1111.
Once through the bottom gate, follow the track around to the left and you will see the signs marked "Armadillos CC Car Park". Please park within the signs; you should not park beyond the final sign stating that parking is not allowed beyond that point. You may however drive up to the pavilion to drop off any equipment, but must then return to the designated car park straight away. You will see the ground (and the pavilion) through the trees from the car park. The ground is surrounded by a deer fence but the gates through it will be unlocked.