Portcullis mauled by Queen’s Cross

Portcullis lost the toss and were naturally asked to bat. Heavy rain the previous day had left the pitch very soggy and despite struggling with his footing, opening bowler Jamieson found a lot of pace and bounce while Wright bowled very tightly from the other end. Openers Andy and Ed found scoring difficult but didn’t seem to be too troubled until Ed edged a lifting delivery from Jamieson and was caught behind in the 7th over with the score on 18. A similar ball to Richard in the same over also found the edge and was well caught low down by first slip.

Jlal was next in and he and Andy played sensibly until Jamieson picked up his 3rd wicket when Andy was caught at point off another rising delivery in the 15th over. Andy’s score of 6 shows just how difficult scoring was for Portcullis.

From then on only Jlal offered any resistance but was hindered by an injury which meant he needed a runner. Richard did the honours and probably ran more than he has ever done before, but when Jlal was bowled by Garner for 13 any hopes Portcullis had of posting a remotely challenging total disappeared. Honey wrapped up the rest of the innings and was the pick of the Queens Cross bowlers with figures of 5 for 11.

The final total was 56 off 27 overs.

With most people still digesting their lunch, it was decided to carry on with the Queens Cross innings and take tea at the end of the match. Portcullis’s bad day continued in the field as 3 catches went down but openers Jamieson and Deady showed no signs of struggling in the way Portcullis had and comfortably knocked off the runs in 12 overs.

The result meant that any slim danger of promotion for Portcullis was finally ended, while Queens Cross confirmed they will be in Grade 3 again next year.

Friday, 25 August, 2006