3rd X1 v St Georges 17th May 2008 Report from Dan Barton
After the skipper (Graham Barker) had won the toss and elected to bat on what looked to be a miserable day for playing cricket, a young Madeley side had the worst possible start, losing the wicket of Dom Smith, who was bowled with the 1st ball of only the 2nd over. Lee Standell fell soon after for 11, when the score was 21- 2 off 6 overs. New lad Andy Patrick then formed a valuable partnership with Shaun Welch both doing an outstanding job, helping Madeley to rebuild the innings before Andy lost his wicket being given out to what looked to be a harsh LBW decision for 15. Ryan Hayward then hit the ball onto his own stumps soon after before Kieran Richards came in to score a quick 26 before being caught. Madeley then lost wickets in quick succession finishing with a total score of 89 all out off 34.2 overs (35 overs per side).
In reply St Georges were soon in trouble with opening bowlers Kieran and James Sabin taking a couple of early wickets both bowling good line and length. 1st change came with Dan Barton who bowled a disciplined 4 over spell taking 2 wickets for 12, before Martin Boyle, Lee Jackson, Dom Smith, Oggy Barker and Andy, all bowled well, keeping the runs down and preventing St. George’s getting what looked to be an easy total on a wet but typical Buildwas pitch. Not forgetting Lee Standell’s superb performance with the gloves, and Ryan’s Bruised thumb after dropping what would have been a belter of a catch out at deep point. St Georges finished their innings on 68 – 7.
Pick of the bowlers was Kieran who bowled beautifully in both spells taking 2 wickets for little runs, bowling the best I’ve seen for a long time, no doubt he’ll be playing 2nds next week.
Madeley earned a well deserved winning draw. Hope for more of the same throughout the rest of the season.
Madeley 13 Points St Georges 8