A damp day for Portcullis

Driving to Grammar FP's ground on Saturday afternoon, nobody would have expected to get a game started, let alone finished. On arrival, the ground was not too wet, and unlike many plastic wickets, the heavy morning rain had made no difference to conditions underfoot.

On a day where a win would almost certainly have left Portcullis sitting pretty at the head of Grade 3, things started fairly well with Sean O'Donnell taking the first wicket, ably assisted by Bob Adie at mid off. The day began to go downhill from that point. Eagles and Lloyd put on an impressive stand for Grammar, interrupted twice by rain, leaving the hosts at 80 for 1. A very smart catch by Andy at short cover from the bowling of Ed Collins got rid of the Grammar number 3.

It was a day that proved difficult for both wicketkeepers and bowlers, and only Mike Churchill of the Portcullis bowlers could keep a tight line and length. His debut bowling display was superb, and came at a crucial time, with Grammar looking to cut loose. He finished with figures of 4 for 16, and with help from Grant and Mashook, a dire situation was swiftly turned on its head as FP's were dismissed for 123, probably 40 or 50 short of the target their start merited.

Although losing Howard early to a viciously spinning ball from Eagles, Portcullis looked well set, with Andy and Mike Churchill taking the attack to Grammar. Mike fell for 30 and Andy went almost immediately after. Things went from bad to worse as Simon was removed for a duck, to complete a miserable day for him. Ed went cheaply soon afterwards, lbw to a ball that darted along the ground from a length. Grant attempted to stay in, picking up singles and twos with first Sean, then Bob and Dave Forbes, but was snaffled second ball after a rain break for 27. It was a lot to ask of Dave and Mike Horrocks to knock off the final 28 runs for victory, and the task proved too much, with Eagles removing Dave for 4.

A good game of cricket, played in surprising conditions, which overall, Grammar deserved to win. Promotion hopes are now in the balance, and a couple of good results are now needed to get us back on track.

Sunday, 25 June, 2006