Apr 20 2009
Long Itchington v Tanworth in Arden
Played Sunday April 20th
In the first friendly of the season under the guidance of skipper Steve ‘Tino’ Chapman, LI enjoyed what turned out to be a comfortable win over a well balanced Tanworth team on what can only be described as a scorching day!
Tanworth skipper Hartley won the toss and put the Itchington in the field first probably hoping it may cool off a little by the time his side had to field themselves.
Chapman opened the bowling with youngsters Wood & Smith, Wood (6-3-11-1) taking the first over and taking the first wicket in that very over also, a stunning yorker, which with a little good fortune took the bails off much to the disappointment of opener Jordan.
17 overs later Tanworth must have figured that early wicket had worked in their favour as they remained one down until Chapman (6.2-1-18-2) turned to himself and dislodged the dangerous Shortley for a good knock of 38.
Other change bowler M.Parsons (8-0-23-2) then chipped in with the wicket of Bhatti without having troubled the scorer and after some defiant batting for a few overs left Tanworth on 83-3 with about 15 overs to go. (C.Jones 25)
As Tanworth looked to settle Chapman turned to S.Parsons who after some questionable balls in his first over chipped in with a spellbinding effort of 4-1-5-3 including the afore-mentioned Jones, leaving a combination of the bowlers to wrap up the Home teams innings 4.4 overs short on 108 all out.
In reply Itchington openers Clarke and Jack looked relatively untroubled seeing off all Tanworth had to throw at them, Tanworth unfortunately losing one opening bowler to a knee injury fielding off his own bowling.
Nearing the drinks break and Jack offered a chance with a well hit but catchable straight drive only to be put down at Mid-Off, this same incident left Tanworth with more injury worries as fielder Bhatti also broke his finger attempting the catch.
Finally, quickly after the drinks break Tanworth had a wicket to celebrate as Jack(27) looked to finish it early but in doing so chipped one straight to Mid-Wicket where his own team-mate A.Smith took the catch standing in for one of the injured Tanworth team.
Franks came to the crease and hit a quick fire 18 before being bowled by Corey, leaving Itch with only a few runs required for victory and J.Clarke needing just as many for a well-deserved 50.
After a selfless knock from Greaves who batted out a maiden to finish with no runs of his own allowed Clarke to score the single both he and the team needed for the respective goals of 50 and victory.
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