Brentwood CC Victorians Vs Stock

Stock V Brentwood Victorians 13th April 2014

A bright sunny day saw the Victorians away to Stock for the season opener.

Having lost the toss and put in the field, the Victorians got about their business with Richard Horswill quickly taking the first wicket, easily caught behind the stumps by Alford. Horswill bowled very tidily returning figures of 5 overs, 2 maidens, 1 wicket for 5 runs. Stock then dug in and although not scoring quickly, kept the scoreboard ticking over. The Stock number 3 (Lewis) then started to dominate the bowling with a flurry of fours and sixes playing the quick bowlers with ease. Something special was needed before Stock were allowed to run away with it. That something special came in the form of Victorians veteran Bob O’Brien who quickly dismissed the dangerous Lewis for 53. O’Brien finished with 8 overs, 1 maiden, 2 wickets for 31 runs and was unlucky not to have added to his tally with a hard hit caught and bowled. All of the bowlers contributed – Hilliard 6 overs, 1 maiden 1 wicket for 27 runs – Hull 8 overs 3 wickets for 38 – Paddy (Timmy) 8 overs, 1 wicket for 45 runs – with Ahmad 3 overs,  2 wickets for 9 runs finishing off the stock tail. The Victorians fielding was superb with 7 catches being held.

The Victorians opened their innings with Richard Walford and Mick Pinkney. Pinkney was out early for 2 allowing Mark Beecheno to come to the crease and score a very rapid 23 before being caught on the boundary. The Victorians were now in deep trouble as they lost the next four wickets for just 6 runs. Reeling on 60 for 6, Billy Hull came in at number 8 to steady the boat and despite playing and missing a few early on, stood his ground to produce a match winning 60 not out with 9 overs to spare and getting the winning runs with a cracking 6. But let us not forget Walford who, watching the wickets falling at the other end, doggedly protected his own to finish with 47 not out.

The Victorians won by 5 wickets.