After such an unpromising weather forecast of heavy rains and thunder overnight, we were all pleasantly surprised by the day that greeted us for our match against the Westgate Lambs at River Park. It was notable as their last outing as an occasional (and always) entertaining team; indeed the Lambs were our original foe back in 2009.
Winning the toss and batting first we made good progress despite the early loss of Sepia (3) to a good caught behind off a turning ball. However it proved to be the only loss of a Racqueteers wicket all day! With the Skipper (50 not out) and the Professor (42 not out) both finding fluency and their timing on a slow wicket, the scoreboard moved along without alarm as they put on an unbroken century partnership. Following from this base, the ever-positive Harry (45 not out) and G with an excellent 18 not out, took us to an impressive 188 for 1 in our 30 overs.
After a superb jubilee-based tea we started our defence of the strong total in fine form. From the start Rishi bowled with pace and control (1 for 7) and Farmer Chris with accuracy and good movement (2 for 9) as the Westgate wickets tumbled. The welcome return of Paddy to the team brought rewards as he bowled superbly to take 3 wickets for only 11 runs coupled with a truly impressive spell from Tom T who bowled a threatening and classy spell of 4 wickets for 5 running through the Westgate tail; the skipper taking a super diving catch at slip for the penultimate wicket as the evening rain set in. Westgate: all out for 66.
Thus a fine 122 run win was wrapped up with an excellent all-round team performance. Well played The Racqueteers!
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 