So Close...

On winning the toss Walsham elected to bat on what looked a very good surface. This decision looked a little suspect as we finished the first over 3-1 with Owston having chopped a length ball on to his stumps. Things got worse after 6 overs when 'Spud' Baker gloved a short ball behind to be caught by Bury's impressive wicketkeeper Mike Skelton. Although the going was slow for the next few overs, Liam Bryant and Ben George put together a stand of 120 to repair some of the early damage. Both brought up half centuries but Bryant fell shortly after having made 57. This unfortunately began a collapse from 127-3 to 167 all out with only number 10 Rothon making it past 2 with some lusty blows before he was bowled to finish the innings. Credit must be given to Bury's spinners, Imam and Rajogopal as they took the last 8 wickets between them and made things very difficult for our normally free scoring middle order. Imam finishing with figures of 5-56.
Bury's reply began with a mixture of good stroke play and good fortune with Whittaker being dropped by wicketkeeper Owston of Rothon's first ball although this would have been a very good catch it did leave some wondering what might have been. After putting on 120 by drinks with both openers passing 50 the introduction of Ned Campbell and Ben George proved that it was possible for two similar collapses to occur in the same match as Whittaker skied one to be caught by Bryant (L) at cover and then Rajagopal was bowled by George. The bowlers, assisted by some good catching, continued to take wickets and only Bishop made it into double figures out of the other 9 batsmen in the Bury XI. Unfortunately when the 9th wicket was taken Bury only required another 5 runs to win. These were knocked off by numbers 10 and 11.
All in all a disappointing batting display followed up by an average first 10 overs in field but a heartening rally later on gives hope that we can have a good season in what is our 5th new division in our 5 seasons in the Two Counties Cricket Championship.
Walsham MoM: Ben George- very good display with bat and ball.