26/5/07 - 1st XI V Cumnor 2nds

Nondies first eleven recorded their second win of the season on Saturday in an exciting climax, claiming victory by 17 runs.

On a greenish pitch with plenty of life in it, Cumnor opening bowler Easterbrook made life difficult in the early overs for the batsmen, seaming the ball around and beating the bat on countless occasions. With Bilyard and Baggsy back in the pavillion within the first 12 overs with the score on 30, and Stevo struggling to hit it off the square at the other end (had no problem offering catching practice to the fielders though), stage was set for a clever counter attack from 'Meaty'. Having smashed an entertaining 38 in a 73 run stand with Stevo, 'Meaty', clearly the funniest member of the side with his childish 'humour', was brillianly run out from a direct hit from backward point with the score on 103.

Strongy was next in, and shared in a 103 run stand with Stevo, both batsmen scoring quite quickly now against the tiring bowlers as the wicket flattened out. After the score passed the 200 mark, Stevo departed for a patient 91. Strongy continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over quickly, with excellent support from Pablo, and was dismissed for 52. With a couple of lusty blows from 'Hedgie' James, Nondies ended up with an excellent score of 256.

Cumnor 2nds got off to a flying start, with Scrivs unable to find his line or length early, and a few lucky edges flying over the slips for four. James started in sensational fashion, having a very adjacent LBW turned down first ball and was beating the bat frequently bowling a very tight line. He was however, quickly rewarded with another LBW 3 overs later.

With some loose bowling, Cumnor raced to 56 off nine overs. Nondies then replied with 3 quick wickets reducing Cumnor to 69/4. In the gloomy conditions, nondies seemed well on top before an unexpected 100 run 5th wicket partnership from Good and Wilkins got Cumnor within 40 runs of their target with plenty of overs to spare, with Nondies appearing in a lot of trouble.

In the persistant rain, Strongy and James continued to bowl tightly and were rewarded with some excellent catches, one to Stanway to dismiss Wilkins, and a marvelous catch to Day at mid off to dismiss Cox. After Hill was run out, and Strong and James ripped through the lower order, Nondies were rewarded with a well earned, but at the same time lucky victory in an excellent game of cricket.