May 24 2009
Match Report – Bidford on Avon 2nd XI v Long Itchington 2nd XI
Cotswold Hills League Division 5
Played 23rd May 2009
On a sun drenched May afternoon, Long Itchington Second XI visited recently promoted Bidford-on-Avon Second XI. The pitch was hard and green which looked like a toss was needed to be won to insert the opposition. The home captain duly did exactly that and put long Itchington in to take first knock.
Foster and Smith opened the innings and quickly built a good looking stand with Foster retuning from injury looking confident and in-form. With the score on 51 Smith chased a wide delivery and was dismissed for 31 made up of 6 x 4’s and 1 x 6.
Rogers joined Foster and moved the score to 80 when Rogers was again caught at slip for 25. Franks at number 4 made 22 before Crump joined Foster and rolling back the years made a very good 29.
Foster meanwhile had departed for a very accomplished 63 and the Itchington innings were nearing 200. Crosthwaite played a delightful cameo innings of 19 and further good batting by Parsons, 22 runs in 12 balls, brought the 45 overs to an end with Itchington having scored a mammoth 240.
Bidford began their reply similarly to Long Itchington with the first wicket falling at 50 to Buchholz who bowled his 10 overs straight through taking 3 for 42.
Tom Crosthwaite replaced him eventually taking 3 for 62 off his 10 overs. He was assisted by some excellent catches including one champagne moment by Crump who hung onto a towering shot by a Bidford batsman.
The game swung to and fro when at the start of the last over Bidford needed 7 to win. Andy Smith showing maturity beyond his years, was the bowler and off the last ball Bidford needed 4, they scored a 2 which left them 1 short of the required target of 240 and a well earned 19 points were gained by Long Itchington.
In conclusion all eleven Long Itchington players played their hearts out and did everything the Captain asked of them. All players young and old will have learnt valuable lessons in playing such a high scoring close game in backing and believing in themselves, with the challenge ahead to remain top of division 5.
Long Itchington 2nd X1 240 for 7, Bidford on Avon 2nd XI 239-9.
Long Itchington won by 1 run.
Long Itchington 19 points, Bidford on Avon 8 points
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