23rd August
Whilst rain showers were all around – over Winchester and in the Meon Valley – we were blessed with a dry and predominantly sunny afternoon for our longer than usual (30 overs) re-arranged match at the ever picturesque Holt ground.
Winning the toss and batting first (as usual!) the Professor and Mike F made a good well-paced start on the artificial track that was staying much lower than usual. The Professor (21) uncharacteristically got out and whilst everyone contributed – notably Stu (11) and the hard-hitting Harry T (19) – only skipper Mike F retired with a patient 31 not out. Thus we posted a decent 135 for 7 in our allotted 30 overs.
After a sociable break for our distanced teas play resumed…
Immediately the powerful Racqueteers attack put the hosts under pressure with a well-focused and threatening spell of genuine fast bowling from Angus who took an impressive 3 for 17 in his 5 overs.
He was ably supported by Lawrence T (Head of Salmon) bowling 4 overs, 1 for 9, and our thankfully fully fit President whose 5 overs only cost a frugal 5 runs!
The extraordinary bowling figures don’t end there: Harry only gave away 3 runs in the same number of overs and David P (on his Racqueteers debut) bowled with great skill and guile conceding just 9 in his 3 overs.
The crowning glory of our performance with the ball must go to Stu who destroyed any further Milbury’s resistance with a fiery 3 wickets for 5 in just 2.2 overs! With great fielding too (including a good catch by the Prof in the gully and a diving effort from the skipper at slip off the bowling of Chris) plus two super run-outs, and an impressive win, by 45 runs, was competed.
Our winning streak continues on another beautiful Hampshire cricket ground;
mention must also go to the affable Lyndon who joined us and most ably umpired all afternoon.
We all retired to The Milbury’s pub for a very well-earned drink & refreshments and to celebrate a really impressive performance on a tricky wicket. Well played The Racqueteers!
We now look forward to the first of our September fixtures at Swanmore
The Racqueteers Cricket Club 
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