Match Report
It a gloomy Saturday afternoon but prove a good omen, as it was another success for The Plough. We were sent into field and knew we had to restrict Sutton Challengers to a chasable target as they would be a strong fielding side especially in the conditions. However, things did not go to plan at the beginning, Sutton got off to a quick start going at six an over for the first ten.
The Plough then rallied to take three quick wickets, due to some great work from the late man Chris Lilford, including a crucial run out from a mix up and also a great spell of bowling – even picking up their number four for a golden duck, perhaps causing him to become one of the chirpiest fielders you?ll ever come across.
Sutton then steadied getting to drinks at 3/119. Though after the drinks break things got back on the track for The Plough as we would take the last seven wickets for 74 runs, restricting them to a very chasable 193.
It was an excellent team effort in the field, including an additional runout from a direct hit by Chris Ovens and a KFC classic catch (albeit looking like a wounded giraffe in the process) by Ed Beasley. A fired up Bease also proved crucial with the ball; restricting runs, taking two caught and bowled?s and producing some entertaining send offs in the process.
Lastly Enzo Barraclough deserves a mention, coming on late and taking 2/6 off three overs with his new and improved smooth Italiano bowling style.5
Great lunch as always provided by the Dulwich Sports Ground, even catering for a vegetarian from Sutton with a great selection of cheese sandwiches. The break also gave Captain Duray a chance to reaffirm that this target will still take some chasing in these conditions and with their strong bowling attack. Though with such a deep batting lineup, things were never in serious danger for The Plough.
Adam and Rich were sent out to open and even with Enzo falling early on, James Tisato came out at took control on the match, ploughing ahead with a decent run rate. Tisato?s 49 was lovely on the eye and he was given great support by Rich (19) and Ovens (23), with Chris providing us with a spectacular six over extra-cover during his cameo.
Some excellent bowling from Sutton?s spinners led to Ovens and Tisato falling, then a plateau in the run-rate. Though it was Duray Pretorius (aka Michael Bevan) who kept a cool head and provided a Captain?s knock. His innings off 44* was mixed with both powerful hitting and some great running between wickets, guiding us over the line with three overs to spare.
Obviously, the opposition thought they should have done better against a rising Ploughman side, as they were straight back out for fielding practice while we enjoyed a celebratory beer at the clubhouse. Though in the end the wet conditions made ploughing easy and ensured a well-deserved rise in the table for us.
Special mention to Tisato for collecting match fees, using some of it to buy a jug, then using a ?5 Northern Irish note to make up the difference. Apologies to The Dulwich Sports Ground.
Ed Woolcock.
