Stand in Skipper- Mark Rose
Stand in Vice- Jordan Atkinson
40 Overs a side

After winning the toss on a beautiful summers day, we decided to field first on a pitch that looked as though there was something in it for our bowlers. This proved to be the case. The bowling was tight and the fielding excellent. We restricted Rustington to 166-8 off their 40 overs. A superb effort.

In particular great bowling performances from Patch, with his usual pace and aggression. He provided some virtually unplayable deliveries.  Adam who bowled with guile and looks to be a very promising leg spinner for the future (could easily step into Laurie’s shoes when he finally hangs up his cricket boots!!). He actually dismissed their ex captain and seasoned pro with a tempter that proved to be his downfall. Mark’s usual line and length, where he basically bores the batsmen to death - but it works.  Chris G and Laurie bowled superbly and both merited more luck than they actually got, Laurie in particular confusing the batsmen no end.

Bowling Figures:
Patch A        8 overs   32 runs   1 wicket
Laurie M      8 overs   16 runs   1 wicket
Chris G         7 overs    29 runs  1 wicket
Mark R         6 overs    29 runs  3  wickets
Adam G        6 overs    34 runs  1 wicket
Ian C             3 overs      9 runs   1 wicket
Dale H          2 overs     13 runs  0 wickets

All in all a very gettable total and one in which we should have got with relative ease. However, it wasn’t to be. A very promising start from Jordan (23) and Graham (35) putting on a partnership of 73 for the first wicket off 17 overs. Some excellent stroke play from them both with Graham a model of consistency. At that point it seemed pretty much in the bag, only needing just over 4 runs an over.

Then disaster. 73 for 1 to 77 for 3. It all seemed to go downhill after that with the exception of Ian C with a resilient 28 not out and an amazing innings from Patch who hit 33 from 12 balls. Two of the biggest sixes I have witnessed, taking them out of the ground. I think they are still looking for the balls today!!!.

Batting Performances
Jordan A                LBW                23
Graham R              Bowled          35
Chris S                    Run out           3
Dale H                    Caught             0
Ian C                      Not out           28
Chris  G                 Caught              3
Mark R                  LBW                   5
Patch A                 Bowled            33
Laurie M               Run out             1
Joe R                     Caught               0
Adam G                Caught               0

Extras                                            26  

It was a very close fought game with AWCC finally all out for 157 (just 9 runs short) with 2 overs left. Oh what might have been !!

Never mind - onwards and upwards. There were some great positives to take away from this game and some excellent moments that I won’t forget as Skipper and without doubt the man of the match for me was Patch A. Fear not we will beat Rustington next year!!!

Mark Rose, Stand in Skipper