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Result - The Philanderers CC

Sun Aug 22nd The Grannies lose by 81 runs

Match report

Re-arranged weddings, holidays and the Pandemic meant that this fixture only went ahead due to the significant efforts (and sizeable ‘little black books’) of Bob and Mike and the commitment of many stalwarts, and their friends, to the club.

We had received a warning in advance of the game from our opposition that they were on a 50-game winning streak - we knew that it would be a hard-fought game and that we would need to be at our very best if we were to stand a chance of winning.

The ground at Exning is beautiful and although the weather (which had been torrential overnight) threatened to disrupt the day, we were only forced off at one stage and for little more than five minutes. The wicket had something in it for the bowlers but was generally true and surrounded by a very quick and beautifully kept outfield.

We were put into the field by George Pearson (father of Ed of Rwanda fame). Our previously unknown opening bowlers Stuart Logan and Tom Carr (who had very graciously stepped in at short notice) produced tight and accurate spells, missing and drawing the outside edge on a number of occasions. Both were unlucky not to take more wickets but did extremely well to go at less than five-an-over given the nature of the outfield. A typically rapid four over spell (1-15) followed from the ever committed and reliable Peter Schutzer-Weissman. We were blessed with the ability to have high-quality off-spin from both ends. George Markham (3-69) and Jas Sanghera (2-44) bowled with wonderful control and skilful variation taking wickets of settled top-order batsmen with the assistance of the evergreen and acrobatic Quinton Newcomb. We felt that we were very much in the game until the Philanderers numbers 5 and 8 came in and having been let off on a number of occasions (including regrettably by the author) produced unexpected, aggressive and ultimately match-winning innings of 63 and 50 respectively (and at significantly better than a run-a-ball). The Philanderers declared sensibly and in a sportsmanlike manner at 208 for 6 from 32 overs.

In response, Stuart Logan was unlucky to receive a good delivery first-up. George Markham played elegantly and was unlucky also to be caught before he could get going. Whilst Jas Sanghera and Quinton Newcomb were at the crease, there remained hope of a Grannies win. Both played beautifully – Jas playing the ball late and with deft hands and wrists, Newcomb using his feet and striking cleanly with the full face. Sanghera, having never looked anything other than comfortable, was out in perhaps the only way that both we and the opposition could imagine, gloving a rising delivery down the leg side to the keeper; Newcomb was undone by a good ball. The middle and lower order battled valiantly against an attack (which included a regional Premier League opening bowler) that knew just how to get the best out of the wicket. Tom Carr and James Hay played nicely and showed excellent energy in their respective contributions of 25 and 19 but the game was brought to an end when Tom Carr chopped on, with the result that our opposition’s winning streak was not, sadly, disrupted. We finished on 127 all out in just under 30 overs which, even with hindsight, doesn’t feel, alongside the Philanderers total, a fair reflection of the game.

It should be noted that in addition to the playing side on the day, we had in Mike Fernie, a dedicated ambassador/cheerleader and coach. Having driven for almost three hours to be there, he discharged his duties wonderfully.

This was the inaugural game for the Grannies against the Philanderers and it was played in an excellent and competitive spirit. Our opposition were utterly charming throughout and we hope that the fixture will remain for many years to come. We know that we will need a strong side and for the luck to be with us next time.


Match info



Location
Burwell & Exning CC., Exning Park,
Cotton End Road,
Exning,
Newmarket,
CB8 7NN

How to get there
Driving from the west (eg: Cambridge) on the A14 traversing north of Newmarket take the exit at Junction 37, signposted Fordham/Soham/Ely, turning left onto the A142. Take first left signposted to Exning Village. Follow road for 1 mile until a mini roundabout (by The White Horse Public House/War Memorial) where you should turn right onto Cotton End Road. Follow Cotton End Road for about 3/4 mile until the entrance to Exning Park on the right, signposted Exning Cricket Club (and Exning Tennis Club). Drive straight ahead where the pavilion and cricket pitch can be seen. Ample parking available.