Another game, another stand-in skipper for Prospect. the opponents were South Beckenham at John Ruskin sports ground, a team that always seemed to be unbeatable for us (not for the want of trying!). All signs looked positive as Skip Craig (Pricky) Partridge won the toss and decided to put the oppo's in on an "interesting" track.
The old guard of Mossy and Craig opened the bowling on the "Lords wicket of South Beckenham (bl**dy slope of the pitch!). Paul didn't begin too well being hit for 14 off his first over, finding the line & length on the wicket and having to defend a short boundary meant it was almost bound to happen. Craig tearing in from the other end (off a short run up) took the first wicket, Cpt. Bates (8) with a 'ripper' on a rather lively wicket, caught behind by Dave 'Lumpy' Brupbacher (all will be revealed later!). Paul Moss continued with his spell returning to his more miserly bowling style whilst Craig was replaced by Craig (Brooke-Smith that is!) and almost immediately took his first for the club - Hatcher caught by O'Mahoney for 5. Mossy's hard work paid off later on having Wilson caught superbly by Si Ewin diving to his left at mid on for 12. Craig Brooke-Smith followed up with another, Rowett LBW for 0 leaving Sth Beckenham 62 for 4. A partnership of 58 followed between Pogose & Savory with a couple of chances going begging. Finally Christian took it upon himself to bowl Savory for an interesting 38. Captain Craig brought himself back on to replace Carl who bowled well, but Craig smelt blood and bowled A. Bashford for a duck (121 for 6). The bowlers then cut down the scoring in the last 10 overs only giving away 3 an over with the help of a spirited fielding display leaving South Becks on 155 for 6. A good performance by all the bowlers kept them to a reachable target off 40 overs.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paul Moss | 8 | 1 | 28 | 1 |
| Craig Partridge | 8 | 2 | 28 | 2 |
| Craig Brooke-Smith | 8 | 1 | 24 | 2 |
| Christian O'Mahoney | 7 | 0 | 37 | 1 |
| Carl Chamberlain | 5 | 1 | 21 | 0 |
| Dave Fletcher | 4 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
Park began the chase with Ken Robo & Bru. All was well till Bru was struck by a bouncing ball on the side of the head which many thought had knocked some sense into him! Unfortunately he was out bowled for 5 by Cooksley. This brought Doc to the crease batting in his usual sensible style. Ken took it upon himself to hit out reaching 32 off 35 mins before being bowled by Halligan. A small collapse then followed, Roger Griffiths out for 2 to a great catch and Stever neville out for a golden duck, both off Halligans bowling. Park 57 for 4 and Skip Craig began to do a Hearnie ! Christian however decided to attack with 4's and 6's sprayed about. Doc finally fell, bowled for a greatly appreciated knock of 18. PPCC 133 for 5. Carl followed soon for 2, but Chris and the other Craig finished it off, Park 158 for 6 off 26.2 overs. Chris with a marvellous 59 not out and Craig 'Other' with 10 not out.
Doc put in a great performance with bat and fielded well again. Craig Brooke-Smith had a great first game with bat and ball. MOM goes to Christian for 1 wicket, 1 catch and 59 not out.