Southwell CC 1st XI v Clifton CC 1st XI

The last time Southwell and Clifton faced each other in Division B allowed both sets of players to get home in time for the 3pm football kick offs as Southwell were bowled out for 32 and Clifton knocked off the required runs in 6 overs. Not one of our finest hours... This time around, Southwell were determined to make a better competition out of it, finally having what would be classed as a full 1'st team after weeks of difficult selections due to low availability.

Having had heavy rain throughout the week, skipper Joe Fryer chose to bowl first having won the toss. A good fielding warm up (despite a slight injury scare with Nathan Burton on par with the injury of Glenn McGrath in 2005) meant that Southwell took the field in good spirits. Dan Sprawson and Olly Stanley took the new ball and did exactly what Southwell had hoped for. Variable bounce and excellent lines left Clifton 26/4 from 6 overs, Olly with 3 vital wickets and Sprawson with the other. Luke Gunn and Cowlishaw had to knuckle down and play a very different style of game than they were used to. Both usually big hitters, they batted with patience and determination as Wright and Rimmer were brought on to replace the two openers. Rimmer broken the partnership, trapping Cowlishaw in front for 21 as the Clifton skipper joined Gunn at the crease.

Continuing to keep it very tight and reduce the run rate to around 3's, Richardson replaced Rimmer but struggled to find a consistent length, much to the annoyance of Walters who failed to put away a couple of waist height full tosses (not no balls!). As the 48 mark drew closer, both batsmen started to take more risks and, having just about pulled off a reverse sweep a couple of over before, Walters was trapped in front attempting to play the same shot to Wright. Clifton's last few wickets fell quickly as they attempted to push their score up to the 180 mark but excellent fielding restricted their final total to 167 all out, Rainbow taking a good catch on the boundary without breaking anything.

Clifton had batted very well to recover their innings and Southwell knew that they would need to bat with maturity and discipline to reach the very gettable target. Thanks, as always to Jo and co for a fantastic tea.

Southwell's innings could not have got off to a better start. Opening bowler Braizier really struggling to find his line, allowing Southwell to shoot up to 47 without loss from the first 10 overs. Green looked in good form, putting away the bad ball and Butler looked solid. A couple of changes in the bowling attack, slowing down the pace on the ball, also slowed the run rate. Clifton matching Southwell's efforts in the field and letting nothing through. The resistance of Butler finally failed and he was bowled for 6, Richardson soon following as he middled one to midwicket. Southwell still confident at 67/2 from 21.

Rainbow and Green looked to build a good partnership but took one risk too many as Green took a single to Gunn at midwicket and the direct hit saw him 2 yards short of his ground. A very important wicket as Green was looking in fine form for his 35. Fryer and Rainbow continued to push the score along until Rainbow also departed, caught at short cover. With only 70 runs to get from the next 18 overs, the odds were still very much in Southwell's favor. However, bowling full and straight seemed to be the downfall of Southwell as they then proceeded to lose their last 6 wickets for 18 runs. A total and utter capitulation that left all watching and all Southwell players gutted. All out or 114, not even reaching the first batting point.

The somber mood in the dressing room at the end of the game summed up how Southwell felt about the result, having been in the driving seat for the majority of the match. Maturity, practice and maybe a bit of luck is needed for Southwell to improve on their batting performance but we need to now look ahead to next week with determination that we can turn around what has been, so far, a disappointing season.