We came, we saw, but unfortunately it was not the conquer season!

We had got to this stage via a bye and then a walkover when  Calverton could not raise a team. So to say we did well to get here is an exaggeration but, in fact, to get here we did do well as finding "The Quarry" is no mean task.

Once again we were playing two sides at the same time in Mansfield and Pleasley. We had a good mix of experience and youth so I was looking forward to how we would fare.

Just for a while that is. We won the toss (Johnny rather than Emily) and elected to field. I use the word "field" generously as we were, quite frankly, appalling.

Catching, ground work, backing up and throwing were all well below normal standards and I know the team are disappointed with this.

To be fair to M&P they played well, earning some luck with aerial shots just clearing fielders or landing just short. Our bowling was too inconsistent in both length and width. 

We let them score 40 or 50 too many runs as they amassed a challenging total of 149-3 off their 20 overs.

To keep Matty as a bowling option we tried Joe Ashworth behind the stumps and he showed some good signs although plenty to learn if he wants to
carry on trying this. The opposition acknowledged the fact that to keep on that
track is no easy task. 

Selected bowling figures
Zac 4 overs 1 for 22
Matty 2 overs 0 for 10
Ruth 4 overs 1 for 25
Johnny 2 overs 1 for 13

Our batting seemed to be affected by the daunting target and we were soon losing quick wickets. Their opener took an impressive 4 for 6 off his four overs and we never looked to be in with a chance as we slumped to 72 all out from just 17 overs. 

Joe Stutchbury played a lovely knock of 23. Alex Jan showed he can cope at this level with some stylish strokes getting 5 before being run out.  Greg Behl (12) and Johnny Butler (11) were the other contributors.

All in all, it was a very disappointing performance. We can now concentrate on the league, as they say. In two weeks we have M&P at Top Ground so some amends can be made there I hope. In the mean time Farnsfield away on Monday 18th -always an interesting contest.
 
Driving home the other night I pulled over when I saw another sign for eggs. I asked the proprietor "Two dozen Range eggs please". "£6.50 please" he said. "Your sign says they're free! So no thanks" and I left, eggless! Or maybe some on my face?

Thanks to Stuart for umpiring
Team
Johnny Butler
Jake Saleh
Zac Ashworth
Robbie Brown
Matty Bowles
Ruth Sprawson
Joe Stutchbury
Greg Behl
Alex Jan
Joe Ashworth
Emily Stutchbury