This week’s player notebook is a pleasure to write with so many positive things to say about so many players.
Tyrrell – Fantastic opening batting master class that saw off a potent opening attack. He boldly took the first ball of 2009 and broke the stamina of the giant young opening paceman from Nazeing. Scored a very impressive 35 at good pace and set up a brilliant first day team total. Did injure his ankle though and was not able to keep wicket.
Mi. Freeman – Looked solid and helped demoralise the opening attack. Played a lovely pull shot for 4, but did get out before he really got going.
Leigh – After all the pre season promise in the nets he fell for his old problem of trying to smash the ball too hard and paid the ultimate price by mistiming and being caught. Put the keeping gloves at short notice and put in a brilliant display to make a sharp stumping and complete a run out.
Alfieri – This was Tony’s best ever innings for the club and he recorded his personal best score in the process with a good looking 31. His first run scoring shot of 2009 was an exuberant smash for 6 ! He also shared a club record 3rd wicket partnership with Bell. A great start to the season and deserved reward for some real hard work in nets over the winter.
Downing – Scored his 3rd half century for the club and although some shots were cowboy like he never looked in danger. The textbook style eventually came and the runs rattled up to guide Rosaneri to a great team total. Captained very well to balance the bowling in a way that ensured fairness and gave the pinks their best chance of victory.
Ma. Freeman - Slotted into the middle order well and returned steady and vital runs when the innings could have gone either way. Bowled nicely in two very short spells and took a wicket with his very first ball of 2009. Was under bowled though due to his use as a batsman. Fielded well and took a nice catch at the second attempt.
Shuttlewood – Batted in the same form as where he left off last year and returned his best ever score for the club while remaining unbeaten. Used his feet well and adapted his approach quickly to varied bowling styles. Also did well with the ball even though cramp set in after his second ball. John bowled a very tidy line and length to return economically friendly figures.
Ni. Shewring – Bowled his best ever spell for the club to record a brilliant 3 wicket haul against the Nazeing top order. Hit the mark from his very first ball and used guile with consistency to have the run chasing batsmen in knots. His first spell opened the game up and turned it from a near certain loss into a chance of victory. This was a great start from last year’s leading wicket taker and it bodes well for stacks more this year.
Rose – Ran in with heart up the hill, but didn’t really get into the groove. The good balls were very good, but there were a few too many wides and full tosses.
S. Underwood – What can we say about this man’s bowling that you do not already know. Ultra consistent and as usual put the batsmen under shackles to build pressure in the run chase. Nipped out 2 wickets and took a super little catch. Any captain’s dream.
Sindrey – The match report may well have massaged his ego a bit too much already. But he did play very very well.