On an extremely hot Sunday morning, it was good to see the original Valley of Peace cricket team all turn up, as no cancellations were recorded through the week or Sunday morning, and the Millbrook CC team arrived, some looking worse for wear, after a good weekend over in Akaroa following a loss to the Goat Herders on Friday. Was that going to be an advantage to us??
The grounds were looking splendid as usual but due to the forecast of a change to rain by 1 pm, we decided to make it a forty-over game, plus some of the Millbrook boys had to catch planes and others driving back so wanted to allow time after the game for socialising. As part of the shorter game, it was decided batsman would retire at 40.
Millbrook CC won the toss and chose to field, which suited us. The pitch in the previous two games had played well with a good number of runs scored by both sides.
We opened with Josh Lilley and Mike Mehaffey (a blend of youth and experience) but tight bowling from Millbrook meant slow progress. After 10 overs we hadn’t lost a wicket and we were thinking (hoping) a change of bowling would give us the chance to pick up the run rate, but this was not to be. The next bowlers were just as tight combined with some outstanding fielding by Millbrook CC.
Our first wicket fell at 26 when Joshua was caught. Mike then did a good job anchoring the innings as other wickets fell, before being bowled for 34 with the score at 88.
The Valley did manage to speed up the scoring thanks to Mark Barnes, who was striking the ball extremely well – he reached 40 and retired. Mark was aptly supported by Russell McGregor who made 19 before unfortunately being run out trying to push the scoring along with only a few overs left. Matt Wenborne was striking the ball well before being bowled for 12 leaving Bert Walker and John Kerrison to see out the last over. VoP ended up with 140 for 8 after the 40 overs.
Millbrook CC were their usual selves with excellent bowling proving hard to get away early on, fielding well and taking four good catches, Matt Walker being their best with figures of 3 for 4 off 7 overs.
We would definitely have liked more runs as we knew it was going to be a challenge to defend but we were feeling reasonably confident given our line-up of bowlers on paper. Unfortunately, Mike (shoulder) and Hamish (hip opt recovery) couldn’t bowl and this restricted options somewhat. But we still had a good attack and the option to bowl Josh who was keeping wickets.
Millbrook CC are never a team to shy away from their shots and today was no different. They managed to find the boundary often, making it through to 42 before losing some quick wickets. Then Mike McGee 29 and Aaron McLeod 32 not out steadied the ship for Millbrook.
We bought John on for two overs to try and break the partnership and he was very unlucky not to get a wicket due to a dropped catch. We then brought back our opening bowlers and managed to apply pressure on Millbrook thanks to a fine 2nd spell of bowling from Matt resulting in three quick wickets. Millbrook got home at the end of the 36th over with 3 wickets to spare. Special thanks to Josh who did an excellent job keeping wickets letting only 4 byes through, and the bowlers only bowling three wides.
Some Valley of Peace bowling stats: Matt 3-31 off 8 overs, Russell 2-27 off 8 overs, James 1-32 off 8 overs, Greg 1-18 off 4 overs.
As usual, the grounds and facilities were fantastic, a great lunch partaken of, and well hosted by Phil Smith.
Greg Jones, VoP Captain
