Monday’s match was another magnificent example of why cricket is simply the best use of a summer’s day. Rosaneri arrived at the ground in confident mood, but the first few overs of the contest soon made everyone realise a tough test lay in store.
The Queen’s Head were a classic mix of solid club players with a few first season enthusiasts thrown in to make up the numbers. Their bowling was accurate and gave the Rosaneri batsmen a thorough test. Alarm bells started to ring very early when Slaps departed in the 3rd over. A mini top order collapse followed, before the tail wagged extremely hard to set a respectable target.
Not only was the bowling good, but the Queen’s Head fielding and catching was the best we have faced all season. Every chance was caught including fractional half chances. At times it was breathtaking.
The grafting and application of all Rosaneri batsmen was superb, but the talk at tea was of the pinks being underdogs going into the Queen’s Head innings.
However, the pinks emerged from a fine tea to put in a brilliant bowling and fielding display to bowl the opposition out and secure a famous victory.
Player notebook –
Alfieri – Got his head down and batted well against strong bowling. Looked set again for a good score, but made a mistake to get out.
Sparrey – Caught by a slip catch that was 100/1 when it left his bat. Used his experience to keep the field shape solid and took the match winning wicket.
M.Cox – Grafted for his 15 with the bat at a crucial time. Bowled well, but does need to try and bowl at the pace he does in the nets.
Rose – Bowled for a golden duck with the bat, but bowled a very tidy spell when asked to turn his arm.
Underwood – Should have built a big innings with conditions to suit, but holed out early on. Looked slightly rusty and not attending nets could be to blame. However, his wicketkeeping was spot on. Neat and tidy and did not make a mistake. Also took a lovely catch off one of the quicks.
Freeman – Batted up the order and came to Rosaneri’s rescue when steadying the ship with a “Thou shall not pass” effort. Perfectly complimented Gareth Cox in the partnership that started to turn the game back in Rosaneri’s favour. Bowled with pace and venom and had the ball moving a long way. But did boil over when he challenged the umpire over the worst wide call in history.
G.Cox – A sensational debut in which he batted beautifully including a perfectly struck 6. But his bowling stole the show as he combined pace and accuracy to great effect. A great addition to the squad.
Downing – Another gritty batting display and top scored for the pinks for the 3rd time this season. Didn’t give a single chance and ended unbeaten. Took a catch, made a direct hit run out, and bowled well in a limited spell.
N.Shewring – At last got his batting going this season and blasted 3 consecutive 4’s in his typical attacking style. Bowled well, but didn’t get the prize of a wicket.
Sindrey – This was his best bowling display for the club by miles. Accurate, lively and worked well with Freeman to set up victory. Also took 2 catches, the second of which was something out of the cricketing equivalent of Roy of The Rovers.
Bob Singleton – Coxy’s father in law batted at 11 to ensure Rosaneri had a full compliment. Remained unbeaten and helped Jim to add a few more to the total at the death of the innings.