Another win. BCCC 215/7 off 35. Church Stretton 133 all out in 30.
Graeme won the toss (both weekend games (Sanjay to note). A decent, dry and mainly sunny day. No rain at all.
Batting was not as easy as the score implied. Graeme was in for most of the innings for a determined half century. Otherwise only George got hold of the bowling, scoring 12 fours and two sixes in a quick fire 68. The rest of us scratched around. Extras was by a distance the third highest scorer with 38. They were a bit rusty having only played one game due to rain, but the bowling was always competitive.
Graeme 56, Keith 16, Phil 1, George 68, Joe 19, Andy H 0 (a pair on tour), Howard 6*, Adi 5* But an unconvincing batting performance was rescued by some outstanding bowling, especially from Andy. They never recovered from a weak start, though Williams, who has played minor counties for Shropshire, opened and was last out for 61, to an excellent ball from Graeme. From 14/4 there was not much chance of them getting the runs. The ball of the game was a fast off break from Jonny B which bowled their number 6. Bowling. Jonny 7-1-21-2, Andy 7-3-13-3, wal 7-0-27-3, Adi 7-0-48-1, Howard 1-0-10-0, Graeme 0.3 - 0-1-1. Both opening bowlers did very well, but with regret i have to acknowledge that George’s innings deserved MotM. Good tea. We missed Brian, though not his umpiring. In 2021 the club will reach its centenary. We were interviewed by the author, who said that in interviewing current and former players many had mentioned our fixture as one of their oldest and best of the year. I think it was the 39th year.
Good beer afterwards, @ £2.50 a pint, in the King’s Arms. Outstanding dinner for 23 upstairs in Walcot later.