Southwell CC 1st XI v Hoveringham CC 1st XI

Despite not having anywhere near as much pressure to get a team out as the 2nd XI, I can safely say that the last few weeks have been a stressful few. Hit by injuries, holidays and the responsibility of bringing new life into the world (congratulations to the Fosters, looking forward to seeing Freddie in his first set of pads) the Southwell 1st XI were once again eternally grateful to the 4 regular 2's players who stepped up to the plate again. Southwell were, however, boosted by the return of Dave Rimmer and long travels of Dan Sprawson who returned a week early from the depths of Newcastle. Hoveringham had had their first win in a year against Eastwood the previous week and so were on a high.

Despite winning his first toss of the season and having plenty of logical reasons, the skipper chose poorly in deciding the bowl first. The weather just got warmer and warmer and the Top Ground track looked sublime to bat on. Hoveringham took advantage of this and didn't look troubled until Ben Lee left one that nipped back from Sprawson. A couple of missed chances in the field and a lack of any sort of movement off the pitch dampened the Southwell spirit and Walton pressed on the attack. Clean hitting around the wicket with Coleman holding strong at the other end built Hoveringham up to 105 before Rimmer finally made the breakthrough, turning one between Coleman's bat and pad for Fryer to do the rest behind the stumps.

Walton continued to take his chances as the Southwell field spread, continuing to find the gaps. Frustration was evident in the field until an excellent catch was taken on the boundary by Olly Stanley as Walton attempted to sweep Rimmer for 6. A destructive 74 from 71 balls that held up the Hoveringham innings. It was clear that if Southwell had managed to dismiss Walton early then they may have managed to stick to the skipper's original plan of bowling them out cheaply, Rimmer and Sprawson taking quick wickets to stem the flow of runs. Hoveringham 173/6 from 38. Good running from the lower order as the Southwell field stayed spread boosted Hoveringham to 208/7 from their 48 overs. A good score but with a full strength batting line up, one that Southwell would hope to chase down on a flat wicket. Rimmer ending with figures of 16-3-72-5.

Special mention has to go to the excellent new addition of two varieties of pasta to the tea. Your author definitely piled far too high but never regretted it. Thanks to Jo and Beth for their continued work - keep the pasta!

Fryer settled down to digest some of the pasta in his pads, safe in the knowledge that Green and Clarke would be able to see out the first few overs without issue. Green, however, made his day well worth his time by playing on first ball for a diamond duck. Quack. Fryer and Clarke began to rebuild the innings until Walton was brought on and Clarke neatly nicked off having resolutely seen off the new ball. Southwell found themselves 33/2 and needed one batsman to make a similar impact to Walton in the Hoveringham innings. Daniel North had different ideas and bowled with exceptional control, finding some extra bounce and movement. This tight bowling forced Fryer to play early and play a leading edge to be caught for 27.

Some big hitting from Miller looked to bring the Southwell innings back on track but his innings was stopped short on 30 as he was adjudged LBW. We will leave that there... Southwell 84/4. Rimmer came in to continue the Southwell run chase and ran well but took one risky run too many. The lower order were given the instructions to battle out for the losing draw, 2 extra points and as many batting points they could muster. Credit must go where credit is due and each of the batsmen 7 - 11 did their part, defending well and taking the extra runs when they could. Wright was once again called for as Jack Foster departed for a hard fought 18 but managed to pull for 4 to bring up Southwell's second batting point and end the innings on 147/9.

Two losing draws in a row but other results went our way and Southwell still stand in third place after 5 games. Quite remarkable really considering the extent of the selection issues faced and it shows the brilliant fighting spirit that the club has shown. Hopefully, with a number of injured players returning, holidays ending and the university term petering Southwell will travel to Eastwood next week with their eyes on a second win of the season.