Skipper Laurie Mellor was upbeat following the Wanderers’ first game of the season that ended in defeat at Worthing Gents, by 38 runs.  The quality and depth of the bowling attack was certainly a plus point for him, though to be fair, pre-season nets had already indicated that this might well be the case.  It was the batting that had been the main concern and despite positives during the game, Laurie felt that at the point of reckoning when the run chase was on, the team suffered from being somewhat naïve.  This was due to a lack of experience amongst some, coupled it has to be said, with some extremely erratic bowling from the opposition that was very hard to get away.

Ultimately the Wanderers innings petered out and went down without too much fight.  On the positive side we saw a cultured innings from Sam Mellor (33) ably supported initially by Dave Stapley (8), who looked comfortable until getting the faintest of edges to the keeper: he also receives plaudits for his willingness to ‘walk’ and thus preventing the umpire a tough decision. Neil Lightfoot carried his bat throughout the innings with a gutsy determination to remain not out on 30.  He rarely looked troubled but was unable to pick up the tempo mainly as a result of some wayward bowling, but he stuck well to his task and it bodes well for his season. The rest of the batting was to the eyes of team psychiatrist Monty Philpott, ‘ a catalogue of errors, bad luck and in the case of David ‘The Darkness’ West pure vaudeville.  Skipper lost his wicket chasing a run push and Monty was more walked out, than run out.  Sean Parker connected well, but straight to the fielder, first ball.

It all ended rather lamely and was a disappointment given the earlier performances of the Wanderers’ bowlers who picked up wickets at a regular pace.  ‘The Darkness’ was unfortunate having found the edge several times but showed great promise.  Martin ‘The Destroyer’ Burchett was at times unplayable as he posted figures of 3-17 from his allotted overs.  ‘Mooshy’ Mellor’s leg spin bought two wickets, but it was the new bowlers, both returning to cricket from three-decade sojourns that were the talking points.  Tony Fuller 3-7 and Rob ‘Sultan of Swing’ Newey 2-29 both showed great promise for the season.  Monty also bowled but with no luck and was wicketless. Unfortunately his dodgy back problem was not helped by a fall in his third over and at the time of writing he is still pole axed on the floor of his bedsit!

All in all it was a game of fluctuating fortunes.  Monty became the Mole after the game and his undercover interview with the skipper revealed that Laurie was ultimately pleased with the day.  He sees it as part of a learning curve and is looking at the longer picture.  Everyone who played gave their all, it was played in excellent spirit, and a great team ‘fellowship’ is developing.  Clearly Laurie has some thinking to do before Wanderers take the field against Salthill next week, but one thinks that in the bowling department he’ll not have too many restless nights.

One other thing to report is that now we officially have Climping as our home pitch, one of the immediate benefits has been the possible addition of two more fixtures to the season, which is heaven sent given the interest shown in playing this season.  It is always difficult to balance giving everyone games whilst at the same time fielding a side that will give the opposition a good game.  The addition of fixtures will help the skipper’s task no end and I think I can speak for Laurie and the team when I add my thanks to those not playing who added their support on Sunday.