West Meon (21.5.23)
Our first Sunday away trip of the season saw the Racqueteers entertained by the hospitable and chatty West Meon CC. The game last year, the first meeting of the two teams, was a bit of a one-sided affair with the Racqueteers bowled out for 90. Before this year’s game rumours circulated of an archetypal Meon Valley cricketing challenge – a slow wicket with the bounce varying from low to subterranean, a marked slope both from wicket-to-wicket and port-to-starboard, the sun strategically positioned behind the bowlers’ arm for most of our innings and a luscious horse chestnut tree for a sightscreen at one end. There was also talk of a splendid tea of and a jolly clubhouse bar adding to the anticipation.
With several of our top batsmen, for various reasons, unavailable, G (skipper for the day) chose to take the field. This turned out to be a wise decision in the end as, playing under Sunday rules (20 overs from 6.30pm) meant that either a win or a draw were potentially entertaining options for the side batting second.
Our opening pair, Rishi (1-30) and The President (0-18), bowled steadily, but the WMCC openers clearly knew their wicket and played with great care until they were separated by a direct hit from Yox after a remarkable piece of fielding in the covers. Rishi then fractured the other opener’s foot with a quick yorker. As he hobbled off to hospital, their two strongest batsmen came together and dramatically increased the scoring rate. But despite coming under intense pressure The Racqueteers held firm. The fielding had focus and enthusiasm – as typified by a full-length diving stop on the boundary by The President, skilled keeping by G and Jules’ puppy-like backing up. Farmer Chris (0-32), Yox (0-49), Cris (0-30) and Sepia (1-38) bowled with engaging variety – while a disciplined spell by Prav (2-46) saw him earn his first wickets for The Racqueteers (much deserved), including one via a supernatural diving return catch. Despite all this WMCC closed their innings on a mountainous 252 for 4 off 39 overs.
Opening the batting against steady bowling Ed was unluckily run out going for a second. With survival for a draw emerging as the most likely positive result even at this early stage Sepia and Jules (who had celebrated their shared birthday the day before) dug in to take 40 minutes out of the game. Jolly (19) and Rishi (31), supported by The President and Prav kept the resistance going, soaking up delivery after delivery as the last 20 overs ticked away. Though wickets continued to fall and the fielders closed in (game of cards anyone?) Yox and Farmer Chris held their nerve and saw us home with 2 wickets to spare in a nail-biting finish – 93 for 8 off 40 overs.
Such an enjoyable day capped off by a beer in club house made even sweeter by the sense of achievement only a losing draw against the odds can generate.
MATCH DRAWN
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 
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