'Graveney in Well Deserved Victory against Bounders'

By Richard Hussey

Bounders 140 all out

Graveney 141 - 5 wickets

Graveney Win by 5 wickets

After the initial dismay of Abinger Hammer cancelling the fixture this week, Graveney were pleasantly surprised to arrive at the sleepy, picturesque Surrey village of Dunsfold. Due to Nick’s hard work once again a fixture had been hastily arranged against a fellow nomadic team called The Bounders.  

The first couple of Bounders that arrived caused no alarm to the assembling Graveney team, as they were, as Barry put it “more his vintage” but soon the sound of youthful Australian accents were to be heard coming from the car park which gave sudden cause for concern. 

Paul Jeffels, skipper for the day lost the toss and the Bounders decided to bat first, in a 35 over match. The opening batsmen looked to play their shots immediately, but good line and length from Barry and Tim B soon ensured that wickets were there for the taking with both opening bowlers picking up a wicket apiece. As the innings continued it was blatantly obvious that the Graveney fielders had overcome the abysmal fielding performance of the previous week and there was not a misfield or dropped catch to be seen. 

Jez set the standard by taking a catch off of his own bowling, and was proudly showing off his bruised finger later in the pub. Jay picked up a wicket, although the Bounders batsmen had set about his bowling and at this point looked as if they could post a fairly useful target. 

Enter Kev Mcgill, who completely bemused the Bounders middle order with his use of flight and movement in the air and off the pitch. With the aid of a sharp stumping by Dave Moody and an even sharper catch at silly mid off by the skipper, Kev ended with the fantastic figures of 3 for 11 of 7 overs. Oli Jago helped mop up the tail, taking 2 for 1 off 2 overs, leaving the Bounders floundering on 140 all out. 

Tea was taken outside the lovely wooden pavilion, and slightly earlier than was scheduled, Paul J and Oli began the Graveney innings.  The Bounders opening bowlers were fairly pacey and the left armer from the war memorial end of the ground was swinging the ball in both directions. Both openers looked comfortable until Oli nicked one behind to the keeper. Rich came in to join Paul, and both slotted in to playing their normal game and got the scoreboard ticking over nicely. 

The Bounders secondary bowlers did not fare too well with Rich hitting 3 sixes to the short boundary on the leg side although at the same time had to avoid some short pitched deliveries. After playing a solid innings Paul was finally out for 42 in similar fashion to last week, coming down the wicket, although this time he edged the ball to the keeper rather than being stumped.    

Barry joined Rich and looked in form until skying one to long on. Rich after passing 50 tried to put the ball into orbit but missed, getting bowled for 52.  Big Tim came to the crease after being promoted to 6 in the order but was given out LBW for a golden duck. Combined with his solitary over earlier in the day, it was not the best of games for Tim, although he did kindly retrieve the scorebook from the pavilion, were it had been left, whilst everyone else was ensconced in the pub after the game. 

After a couple of lusty blows from Howard, Jez, the finisher, scored the winning runs giving Graveney a well deserved victory by 5 wickets. 

All in all a great days cricket against a friendly bunch. However they must sort out the service in the pub if we play them again next year!!

Man of the match:  Kevin McGill's 3-11.