Park Struggle Under the Sun

With Skipper Gannon losing the toss for the second time in two days, Park were once again fielding in the heat of the day. Luckily Craig Partridge got us off to a flyer removing Charles before a run had been scored, Sean Pritchard taking the catch behind the stumps. Alan Russell toiled gamely at the other end but was to receive no luck for his efforts. It was down to Christian O'Mahoney to make the next breakthrough with Secrett playing on with 48 on the board. Fletcher, Gannon and Karl Chamberlain all tried their luck, but to no avail as Grenfell piled on the runs. Debutant Alvin Carter did the trick though, getting Stevens to pop a catch up to Fletch lurking in his usual position. 117 for 3. Terry Shannon came into the attack and bowled with great rythmn and claimed two well deserved wickets, Christian O'Mahoney taking a great catch at long on, and Keeper Pritchard pouching a skier behind the stumps. At 155 for 5, park were back in the frame. Craigy Boy Partridge bowled out from the other end, clean bowling Baker and King in the last half hour as the innings stretched out to nearly three hours. Grenfell finishing their marathon stint at 178 for 7.

Kenny Robotham and Dave Fletcher opened the batting but from the off Fletch was clearly out of sorts and was soon bowled for 1, Park 11 for 1. Dave Robotham came in at no.3 and started well before popping a catch up to short leg to depart for 6. Park 23 for 2. Kenny was also really starting to look the part when he was bowled for 16 and Park were now struggling at 32 for 3. Things got worse very quickly when Karl Chamberlain was out for a duck with only two runs added. When Christian went shortly after, bowled for 14, Park had tottered to 38 for 5. Sean Pritchard fell for a duck with only 45 on the board. At this point Craig Partridge and Alvin Carter made an excellent recovery, defending stoutly and punishing the bad ball. These two put on 39 before Alvin was caught for a quality knock of 18. Skipper Gannon came in to see the last 7 overs out with Craig, but the youngster had his sights set on a half ton and two sixes sailed over the boundary. With 13 balls left to bat out Craig was caught at mid on for a superb 39 and Park were 102 for 8 and facing an uncomfortable couple of overs. Alan Russell came in next and he and Gannon saw the game out with no further alarms to secure the draw, finishing on 106 for 8.

Excellent bowling today, particularly from Craig Partridge, whose opening and closing spells were as good as anything seen this season, Alan Russell who could have had a hatful of wickets on another day, and Terry Shannon who bowled with excellent control in the tricky last half hour when Grenfell were looking to pile on the runs. Particular mention goes to Sean Pritchard whose performance behind the stumps was outstanding, particularly taking the difficult pitch conditions into account. Guests Alvin Carter and Karl Chamberlain acquited themsleves admirably and showed great team spirit all the way through, especially when more seasoned heads were going down. The MOM goes to Craig Partridge though for a terrific all round display, easily top scoring, and for the best bat throwing I've seen (or rather heard) since Christians half an hour before, which could clearly be heard right out in the middle, from inside the changing rooms !