6th May 2000

Margaretting v ECC

Not an ideal start to the season with several key players missing for a tough opener against promotion favourites Margaretting. The biggest loss probably turned out to be Geoff Claughton bearing in mind his 9-14 in the corresponding fixture last year. Because of the absentees, Geoff Page came out of semi-retirement, Phil Essex made a rare start and Sean McKeon played at the last minute. Inserted on a tricky wicket the experiment of opening with Mark Williams failed to pay dividends as he was out in the first over without troubling the scorer. However, Rob Gregg and Buck Jones looked in no trouble as they accelerated the score to 31 without further loss after 8 overs. Unfortunately as we have experienced before the old git who calls himself an umpire broke the partnership with an unjust decision against Buck for 12. This I'm afraid caused a familiar batting collapse with four more players registering 0s including the returning Nic Woollard and only Rob Gregg could be satisfied with his battling 36 as we were bowled out for a meagre 100. Margaretting have always looked to have a handy batting line up but this seems to bring the best out in our bowlers and the three on offer to myself of Paul Lewis, Tony Mitty and Peter Read did not disappoint. In actual fact with Margaretting 72-6 the chances of a victory became more likely. Peter Read bowled his 12 over spell with figures of 4-38 and Paul Lewis showed what a decent acquisition he will be by consistently swinging the ball and finishing with 3-30 including a peach of a delivery to remove danger man Mark Newman for 11. Unfortunately a host of half chances went a begging and Margaretting got home by 2 wickets. However, I was pleased with the upbeat mood in the camp and this showed with 5 of us staying drinking until way after 11 pm and well after the opposition had departed.

ECC 100 all out Jones 12, Williams 0, Gregg 36, Woollard 0, Page 17, Essex 3, Mitty 0, Clarke 0, Lewis 6, Read 2no, McKeon 0

Margaretting 101-7 Lewis 9-1-30-3, Read 12-2-38-4, Mitty 7.2-2-30-0 Margaretting won by 3 wickets

MAN OF THE MATCH Peter Read