The 2015 season got underway with a trip over to Newbold Verdon in Leicestershire. A sunny but cold day had seen rain earlier. Newbold won the toss and put Earls in.

Marvin Rice, our other returnee for 2015 opened up with Martyn Dennison. The two openers Leigh Chapman and Jacob Bailey kept it tight initially. Denno carved out a couple of fours before Marvin, who'd looked really comfortable picked out Mulsbury at point. Dan Dixon came in next on debut but had a tough start getting bowled early by a good ball from Bailey. He was replaced by another debutant Martin Perfect who has joined from nearby Knowle Village but it was Denno who went later that over playing on for 16.

Josh Bailey replaced his brother and bagged the wicket of Chris Harrison leaving Earls on 33-4 after 14 overs. That brought man-of-the-match Arron Snipe to the wicket and he began a brutal innings that saw him finish eventually on 135 not out off just 86 balls. Were you watching Moseley? Not bad for a number 11! Josh also bagged Martin who had batted patiently as Earls tried to consolidate after their tricky start.

Martin's wicket brought skipper Will Windeatt to the crease fresh off a flight back from the US. A typical swashbuckling 26 off 24 balls including a big six off Bailey. Will was eventually bowled by Mulsbury but each of the incoming batsmen were able to rotate the strike to Arron who picked up pace. Partnerships of 31 with Callum Hassett, 36 with George Calkeld and 34 with James Thorne saw Earls end up on 230-8 off their 40 overs.

An excellent tea preceded the Earlswood reply. Showing no mercy the skipper threw Arron back on to open the bowling with Callum. He didn't disappoint as he ripped out the top order with three quick wickets all caught: George behind the stumps, Chris at slip and a good running catch by Dan at extra cover. 11-3 off 7 overs and wobbling. Callum bowled beautifully and was very unlucky not to get any reward finishing his 6 overs for 7 runs.

Dave Evison replaced Arron and was soon amongst the wickets too with a couple in his second over. Martin Perfect replaced Callum and he was also soon in the wickets bowling Kris Malsbury and then having Warren nick one behind to George. James Thorne replaced Martin and took a wicket with his second ball removing the stubborn Boulton. Evo bagged his third and James finished things off with a caught and bowled as Newbold finished on 46. A very good bowling and fielding performance all round and a useful runout for several ahead of the league season.

MOM: Arron Snipe - excellent batting on his return and three wickets to get him off and running
FOM: George Calkeld - looked sharp and tidy all game with two catches

The next match is another friendly away at Weoley Hill next Saturday.

Earlswood Cricket Club

Match details

Match date

Start time

Meet time

Location

Team Sponsors

Login