1st XI vs Bridon CC - Match Report

We fancied a bat but I lost the toss. Bridon had no hesitation in batting first and made good progress. At 157-3, they were in absolute control and looking at a big score, however our teenage bowling unit fought back superbly in the second half of the innings. Golden arm Dan Fotheringham (3-41), having got a wicket with his first ball in his debut last season, struck in his first Championship over dismissing their South African pro! Dan bowled great and was equalled by Jasper Dennison (10 overs, 2-50) and Zak Berridge (9.2 overs 1-30), who once again had bugger all luck! Hayden (9 overs, 1-45) came back strong and it was brill to see the return of Ben Tomlinson who bowled 7 very tidy overs taking 1-25 near the end. Our fielding and catching was fantastic, the pinnacle of which was an absolute worldy at gully from Dave Taylor.
- diving full length and plucking the ball out of the air as the whole of Clumber gasped with "did that just happen?" amazement!
Close of innings, we'd bowled Bridon out for 216. What a brilliant effort boys, well done!

Sadly, that was to be the high point as it proved not to be our day with the bat. Still, Chris Mather hit an entertaining 32 and James Davies (22) and Dave Taylor (19) both looked good in their innings.

Really proud of all the young lads today. Yes we lost, but there were lots of positives to take from it and despite 2 defeats in our last 2 games, we've managed to pick up 14 bonus points. That shows we're competing, which is all that matters. Let's keep pushing ourselves to be better each week.

- Mark Dean, 1st XI Captain