Result:  match drawn

Scores:  Ferring 226- 7  Alts 129-5   match drawn

 

a winning draw declared

 

 

The ten men of the Alts travelled to a sunny Ferring looking to get back to winning ways following the shock defeat at the hands of local rivals the Cainers two weeks prior.

 

A timed game was the format and due to two Alts players needing to scarper early, it was agreed that Ferring would bat first and bat they did. Despite the pitch offering some variable bounce the openers were soon settled and going about their business, defending the good balls but punishing anything errant.  Bryden was at his usual miserly best as was Score from the opposite end but neither batsmen would be dislodged.  Then, with the score on 93 Stenner made the first Alts breakthrough, trapping his man LBW for 20.  Despite some short-lived protesting of “bat before pad” he soon took his leave.

The Alts were revitalised, backs were bent but try as they might they couldn’t snare another wicket.  With the Ferring score on 164 crickets very own mercenary / soldier of fortune / gun for hire Richard Nutbeam made the second breakthrough, having his man well caught for a watchful 28.

Four balls later Goodwin had his replacement back in the hutch, the scoreboard unmoved, his box still cold (allegedly).

Was this the start of the Ferring collapse you ask?  In short, no.  A further 40 runs were added at a leisurely pace before Mellowship sent their fourth batsmen packing.  Three further wickets fell in the final overs with Ferring ending their innings a very healthy 226 for 7.  Special mention should go to their captain and opening bat C Baldock who batted patiently and sensibly finishing unbeaten on 121.

 

Tea was taken.

 

The Alts opened their innings with the ever reliable Boden and Chappers, Ferring opting for their young guns.  It’s fair to say that the Ferring young guns had the best of the opening salvos with the wickets of Chappers, Bode and Nutbeam all falling in quick succession (a flock of ducks) leaving the Alts teetering at 21-3.  Score then entered the fray and judging defence to be the best form of attack he set about defending, defending and a bit more defending.  This was all going to plan until a leading edge did for Boden. The Alts were now four down with exactly than 50 on the board.

A change of bowlers brought some respite for the Alts and Score and Stenner soon found a few more bad balls to hit.  With the overs now counting down from 20 the match became more about the pursuit of the draw than of victory.  Up until this point Stenner had managed (uncharacteristically) to keep his trademark “scoop paddle-sweep” in check.  But then on 13 (unlucky for some) it broke free from it’s shackles, unfortunately to a straight one.  His stumps rearranged, disappointment etched on his face he took the slow walk back to the pavilion.

The next man in was Bryden.  Score briefed him on the pitch, the bowlers, defence being the best form of attack and his belief that the draw was “on”.  Bryden took this all of this on board and went straight on the attack.  FOMO kicked in and Score went aerial (several times). Despite offering up a “couple” of chances Ferring were determined he would make his 50 and he soon did, much to his own surprise.

The match and the contest soon came to a close, the Alts posting a score of 129 for 5 with Bryden unbeaten on 18 and Score 61, a career best.  A winning draw was declared by all….of the Alts, in the car park well out of earshot of the Ferring team.