Park made a positive start in their 40 over bout with Devonshire. Batting first, Al Horton and Kenny 'Large Donner' Robotham posted the 50 in 12 overs when Kenny was out caught for 25. Dave Fletcher kept the momentum going with a quick 11 and Al Horton with superb calling, backing up and running eventually fell for 44, with the score on 85. Christian O'Mahoney was taken through a superb catch at long off for 8 and Johnny Norton failed an LBW question for 2. Sean Pritchard, after a consolidating start, then put on 90 for the sixth wicket with David, before Partridge was caught for 28 on 183. Craig Partridge kept the momentum going with Sean with Park reaching a final tally of 200 for 6, with Sean 53 n.o. and Craig 10 n.o. This was a positive Park performance which showed a great deal of self belief.
Late arriving spectators in the guise of Ewin, Ling and LaRoche, fresh from Doc's Bachelor of Science ceremony (well done Doc, ,many congratulations) and bemoaning the lack of sustenance, beseiged variuos players for foos in the manner of Trafalgar Square pidgeons. All this to the disgust of scorer Harbert who had beenthere from the start of play without complaining of lack of nose bag. One expected to hear Krusty the Clowns slogan 'will drop pants for food' at any moment!
Craig bowled opener Hoad for a duck with a horrendously quick, swinging full pitched ball but the other opener Smith was in great form. paul Moss bowled tightly thru his stint of 8 overs with 1-23. Johnny Norton replaced mossy and showed his improved length and line with 27 off 5 overs and was unlucky not to snare the prolific Smith. Billy Partridge replaced Craig and bowled tightly for 0-34. Thommo after a delayed entry to the fray with a flat car battery showed that he was re-charged (Ooooh !, Editor) with a superb bowling spell and during the pivotal part of the innings removed Smiths partners, ending up with 4-31 off 7 with 1 maiden.
All this time the Park fielding supported the bowlers on one short boundary and one very, very long boundary. Craig returned for his final 3 overs, bowling line and length and ending with 3-28. An unusual item was a 5 ball no-ball off one Craig delivery, with an all run 4 off the bat to the long boundary adding to the initial no ball.
At this time Devonshire fell to a required 7 per over and Chris O'Mahoney replaced Craig to nip in with a wicket. A late flurry from Smeehan kept everybody interested but thommo finally Ct & Bowled Smith for 113, a great innings. Chris gave the young number 11 one off the mark with Devonshire ending on 180-9 off their 40 overs. A creditable sum, although a one man show by Smith. A large degree of credit to Captain/Keeper dave Partridge for keeping cool under Smith's examination.
Although a number of excellent Batting and Bowling performances were on show, after taking a bad knock in the field, Paul Thompsons fielding and particularly bowling at a crucial time managed to give Park the edge.
A foot note from your correspondant. This was one of the friendliest oppo's we have played. A really nice bunch of lads helping to make a great afternoon.