The Racqueteers v Goodwood.
It’s always a joy to assemble at the sublime Goodwood for our annual foray into rural Sussex. Despite the upheavals of our disrupted season, it was great to be able to play the affable Goodwood this year in what will be their only match of 2020! The hosts had, very considerately, laid out excellent social-distancing ropes and seating that made for a very comfortable evening for both players and spectators alike.
Batting first (as is traditional for essential barbecuing considerations in normal years!) in perfect conditions, our openers, skipper Mike F and the Professor, both played with style and purpose as assured boundaries and positive strokes came at a good rate. It must be noted that the superbly in-form Professor has scored over 200 runs in the calendar week (for his various clubs!) including a fine century at the weekend!
Both retired, having passed 25, only for the mantle to be carried on by further elegant stroke play from the hard-hitting Kendall (23) and the mercurial Paddy (20) before further momentum was added by an aggressive innings from Stu who peppered the boundary for a quick fire 27 retired.
Thus, we posted a very respectable 144 in our 20 overs.
The Goodwood openers started brightly with some no-nonsense boundaries and looked up for what was quite a total to chase in the gently receding light of the August evening…
However, despite an unfortunate recurrence of the President’s injury (that meant he could only bowl one over) the Racqueteers’ attack proved stalwart in its task.
Angus bowled quickly & beautifully, conceding only 15 runs whilst taking a crucial wicket in his 4 overs. Ably supported by the ever-probing Paddy (1 for 25) and a lively Aussie Stu (0 for 18) and the hosts were always a little behind the challenging run rate.
With two overs of guile from Sepia and great support in the field – including a terrific catch by Mike Perry – we held our nerve with the Professor bowling three frugal overs (taking 2 for only 17) and the skipper picking up a wicket expertly stumped by G – and the job was done!
Goodwood were held to 120 for 5 in their requisite 20 overs: The Racqueteers win by 22 runs on an idyllic summer’s evening under the ancient spreading branches of the majestic Cedar of Lebanon, serenely overlooked by Goodwood House.
Perfect – well played the Racqueteers!
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 
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