Bedminster CC 2nd XI vs Bohemians CC 1st XI

It was a strange beginning to a disappointing day for the high flying Bedminster 2nd team. The day started slowly, with many of the side lapping up the last of the late morning rays. Eventually, around 2 hours after instructing the side to arrive at the ground, skipper Tryfonos decided it was time to warm up. The warm up somewhat lacked intensity, typified by specialist fielder Newman deciding to complete the session in bare feet. Needless to say this attitude was contagious and a few moments later an over excitable as always Duckworth launched a ball towards a tentative Mason resulting in a dislocation and a Mason family trip to A&E. Needless to say this further disrupted preparations and all too soon it was time to play.
Bedminster had won the toss and elected to bowl. Tryfonos again putting faith in Duckworth and House to take the early wickets, faith that again was not repaid (the pair managing but a handful of wickets in their opening spells together this season). The Bohemians opening partnership however struggled to time the ball well and their innings was off to a slow but stable start. It was eventually Duckworth who made the break through as an attempted short ball never really got up and was skied to McCormack who willing snapped up the catch.
Duckworth then created another opportunity as again the batsman sent him skywards. Unfortunately this time the simple catch was not taken. M. Tryfonos showing that lack of fielding ability must be either genetic or contagious.
Once again the change bowlers did the damage for Bedminster with Mason’s last minute replacement Butt taking 4-39 in his brilliant 9 overs. M. Tryfonos did not have luck in his side as yet more catches hit the deck. However his economical spell of 0-32-9 left Bedminster in a great position to keep the Bohemians to an easily attainable target. Newman having now found his footwear also bowled very well and took 3-39-9.
It wasn’t long before a wicket each from House and Duckworth (Hallelujah) finished the innings at 215 all out. Again the odd loose delivery and some suspect fielding and catching meaning Bedminster had not put this game to bed at the half way stage.
When play resumed the Bedminster batsman where confident they could chase a slightly below par total. The side got off to a flyer curtesy of M. Tryfonos who raced free flowing to 27. The other opener Roche pleading with Tryfonos to keep his head. Unfortunately it was Roche to fall first, middling the ball to the keeper before claiming he was nowhere near it. Jones also fell after a few nice strokes and the mini collapse was on. The mini collapse soon developed into one of biblical proportions as M. Tryfonos, John, Kadir and A. Tryfonos all fell cheaply leaving the side at 60 odd of 6 and with plenty of work to do.
If ever there is a man for a situation like this it is McCormack, who combines vast experience with a willingness to attempt to remove the leather from any cricket ball sent in his direction. He was ably backed up by Butt and between them they dragged Bedminster back into the game. Butt finally fell for 23. Newman strolled to the crease having just told all the previously dismissed batsman that he would “yet again save the day”. Needless to say his innings did not live up to his own confidence and he was back in the pavilion with 0 to his name not long after. House stayed with McCormack for a few overs but was eventually dismissed for 12. Bedminster now just 30 runs short but running out of deliveries. Unfortunately McCormack’s luck run out and he was could on the boundary having scored a brilliant 69. Bedminster all out for 194, 22 runs short.
Lessons to be learnt with bat and ball. However, a great first half of the season and a real chance to go on and win the league if we can iron out a few mistakes.