St Cross v Racqueteers – 13th August 2023 (away)
It’s always a pleasure to play at the old Royal Green Jackets ground against our old friends St Cross. The day was overcast but mild and the ground looked immaculate. St Cross won the toss and decided to bat. As usual they had a number of talented batsmen, especially in the middle order, and a fulsome total was likely. Initial indications were good as Tom T (8-1-14) The President (9-1-13) bowled tightly. St Cross then accelerated rapidly through a combination of their liking for Sepia’s slow left arm (5-0-54) and multiple edges through the slips off Rishi – who bowled with extreme pace (8-2-51). Charlie (4-0-40) and Skip (5-0-36) gamely tried to slow the run rate with some success. An event worthy of note was a super sharp piece of fielding when Jules (who alternated patrolling inside the boundary with riding Mike’s mod scooter round it) and Charlie T combined to run out the impressive number 3. St Cross finished on 240 for 5 – slightly less than last years’ total, but still a big ask.
Racqueteers started well against two impressive teenage quicks, Ed (10) falling after breaking double figures for the first time for the club. Cris (4) looked solid and showed good technique for one so new to the game until he was beaten by one that nipped back at pace. Skip (40 not out) joined Dave (100 retired) for the defining partnership of the match. The later playing one of the great Racqueteers’ innings – exquisite stroke play that had even the opposition swooning. On Dave’s retirement (to great applause), Jon (17) took to the crease for the first time as a Racqueteer, looking very neat and tidy. Rishi (27 not out) then exploded and that was that, 241 off 34.1 overs. A really resounding victory built on a great team performance.
Racqueteers win by 7 wickets
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 