Match Report

The Plough arrived on an overcast Saturday full of promise and with once again a very strong side. Up against an up and down Spencer side, who had managed a mixed bag of results this year, the Plough knew there was every chance there could be a serious game on. On arrival we were given the grandstand pitch right next to the club house, the Hollies had obviously been done over by the rain earlier on in the week. Spencer won the toss and Plough were to bowl first.

Myself and Liam took the new ball, both hitting good areas. We knew their opener could play and both tried to restrict him whilst making inroads at the other end. Early wickets fell with Grayzer doing most of the damage, ripping through their top order with some wonderful outswing bowling. Ash came on to bowl with Liam and the two together were unplayable. Ash removing their opener in the 40s with a blinding catch from Duray at gully. By this point the fans started arriving for the end of summer social, with Coxy, AJ and Amy watching on. The lads then continued their show for the adoring fans by pressing on and both taking 4-fer each. Both were unlucky not to take 5 with dropped catches and batsmen not walking letting down what was a cracking display of bowling. With myself and Spence both picking up the other wickets, that was the end of Spencer, all out for 96 but Plough unfortunately down to 10 men. James Tisato off to hospital with a potentially broken finger, as a result of my dropped catch in the slips.

Tea report normally comes here but our bowlers are too good so it wasn’t ready in time. Out to bat it is. Britto and Ovens opened up. Runs flowed and pressure was right on Spencer. Boundaries were flowing and there looked like no stopping us. Unfortunately, our second injury of the match occurred with Ovens rolling along nicely. Retired hurt for 24 after copping a ball that popped right in the eye socket. Luckily for Ovens all okay, unlucky for his girlfriend who now has to stare at a hefty bruise for the duration of their holiday. No worries though, Barras replaced him, first ball 4, momentum restored. Britto crafted a solid 14 before chasing at one. Barras and Freddie then took us close to home but with Barras out for 13 it was up to Freddie and Chris Silvapulle to get us over the line. Freddie ending up 28 not out having launched a few over the ropes. Plough win by 8 wickets.

Finally we had tea, solid stuff from the DSG as usual with the addition of Indian snack food followed by several jugs.

The Plough family was in full force by now with several coming down to join the party. BBQ food consumed and a call to Ewell made to check on their result. The day made even better by finding out Croydon A lost. Plough back on top of the league, commence huge celebrations. With beers and everything else consumed and another successful trip to The Plough pub, we drifted away from Clapham Junction at all different hours. Well done Plough, great Saturday. We are very good at cricket and drinking, makes me very proud.

Bolsh