A 40-over match was played in very good spirits on a Friday afternoon against an energetic Tait Communications XI. We were pretty happy to bowl them out for 144 in the 38th over, so our confidence level was high going into the afternoon tea break. Debutants Paul Dearsley (3-18 off 8) and Mark Hume (3-24 off 5) both bowled well as did Simon Carter and the unstoppable Stan Wooliscroft. Ben Larter took an impressive catch that is difficult to put into words and Tony Penny took a sharp stumping.

The young Tait bowling line up made life difficult for most of our batsmen, however, Mark Hume batted very well for 53 and Simon Carter produced a solid 30. Only 1 other batsman made double figures. We needed 9 off the last over to win, but we ended up a few short.

Overall it was a great game of cricket on a beautiful day at the Valley of Peace!

Phil Smith

Mark Hume, Stan Woolliscroft, Paul Dearsley

Mark Hume, Stan Woolliscroft, Paul Dearsley at Valley vs Tait Commns, Nov 2020