Dave Hearn and Simon Ewin opened the Prospect Park batting and were soon off to a flyer with 15 runs coming from the first over as the CentYMCA openers sprayed the ball about. Unfortunately Si wasn't able to take advantage as he was unluckily bowled off his back leg for 2 to put Park on 23 for 1. Kenny Robotham came out at no.3 and continued his good recent form by getting stuck straight in and he and Hearnie tucked into the oppo bowling to great effect. This pair added 49 runs in 40 mins before Kenny was bowled for 15, Park 72 for 2. Dave Brupacher came in at no.4 and a running mix up saw Hearnie run out going for a third. Dave out for a super 40 and Park 79 for 3. Bru was struggling a bit for form and was caught behind for 3 shortly afterwards, Park 86 for 4. This brought Dave Fletcher in at the unusual position of no.5 (Dave managed to put his back out whilst on holiday in Majorca - best not to ask lads !). Craig joined Fletch at no.6 and these two continued the good start, both players hitting the boundary regularly. Another partnership of 49 was notched up in no time as the Park bench enjoyed the show. Fletch was eventually out for an entertaining 21 and Park on 135 for 5. Tim Gannon came in at no.7 and the scoring rate continued (with Craig getting the lions share of the runs it has to be said). Craig was by now on full throttle as the straight and cover drives were coming thick and fast including one very big six. Gannon chipped in with a couple of boundaries but was more than happy to see the strike go to Partridge the Younger. 73 runs had been added in 28 minutes when Skip Fowdy declared with Park on 211 for 5, with Craig unbeaten on 74 and Gannon 26 not out.
After a hearty tea, Dave Robotham and Digger Barnes opened the bowling, both bowlers straight on the spot. After several close squeaks, Digger made the breakthrough, with the no.1 bat driving into the covers only to find Gannon picking up the catch low down, 1 for 1. Dave was not to be outdone at the other end and promptly clean bowled the no.2 bat, 1 for 2. A couple of overs later and Digger clean bowled no.3, 3 for 3! At this point, CentYMCA consolidated with some good defensivce batting so a change of attack was tried with Alan Russell and Skip Fowdy doing the honours. The skipper did the trick, clean bowling the no.4 bat, 14 for 4. This prompted Alan to do the same at the other end to batsman no.5, 18 for 5. Another period of consolidation was broken when Darran found the outside edge and Dave Brupacher snapped up the chance behind the stumps, 26 for 6. Shortly after, Darran claimed his 3rd wicket, when Hartman popped the ball up for Alan Russell to come running in to take the catch, 27 for 7. Tim Gannon and Kenny Robotham came into the bowling attack, to open the game up a bit, and Gannon struck with his first ball, bowling Ford behind his legs, 45 for 8. Ken showed some form with the ball but couldn't claim the final wicket, so Dave Hearn came on to turn his arm over for the first time in years ! Hearnie bowled an excellent first over and looked favourite to take the remaining wicket, but Craig Partridge in his leg spin bowling guise came on at the top end to wrap proceedings up first ball, bowling Parker all ends up. CentYMCA 67 all out and Park win.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Robotham | 7 | 4 | 5 | 1 | |
| Digger Barnes | 7 | 4 | 5 | 2 | |
| Alan Russell | 6 | 4 | 6 | 1 | |
| Darran Fowdy | 5 | 1 | 16 | 3 | |
| Kenny Robotham | 3 | 0 | 20 | 0 | |
| Tim Gannon | 3 | 1 | 12 | 1 | |
| Dave Hearn | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Craig Partridge | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Some good displays all round here, Hearnie's excellent 40 got us off to a flyer, Darrans 3 wickets. However, with what I think is his best innings for the club, with some exquisitely timed driving mixed with power hitting, it has to go to Craig "2 Jugs" Partridge. Looks like the beer will be flowing well on tour this week lads. Poor old Bill, any chance of getting some overtime in ?