Junior Martlets

Friday 26th August brought around Martlets biggest day in the calendar, the Seniors vs Juniors club day. Tradition was upheld with the Juniors winning the toss and electing to bowl, but after the thunderstorms and rain the past week, bowling first didn’t seem like such a bad thing! Sam Carter, back with his reliable cap on, accompanied by Jules Hunt opened against our chairman’s son Harry Walker and Fergus Kenyon who got the ball moving early on Arundel’s hybrid wicket which seemed to offer a bit more to the seamer than the normal batting paradise it is! Carter and Jules saw off the new ball with some careful batting and seeing us to 38-0 off the first 10 overs. Things did pick up as some boundaries started flowing, especially for Jules who took on the seamers over the top. A couple of eye catching shots including one beautiful six over extra cover that Ben Stokes himself would have been proud of. Having played a lot at the castle over the years, I am struggling to remember a time when we have been none down at lunch time, but today we achieved that feat with Jules on a way to a fine century and Carter continuing to accumulate in the 30s at the break. An extra long lunch and plenty of seam on show, overs were shorter than normal at 2pm when we resumed which meant a change of pace was needed from the seniors and Jules provided that, powering his way to his first 100 at the beautiful castle ground. Carter reached an important 50 himself but fell to a confusing run out for a well made 55 from 11 balls. Jules also eventually went as well for 120 off just 129 balls, a superb in warm applause as he left the ground. Another wonderful turn out from the spectators today. With 40 overs shared between the opening pair, it was left for the incoming batsmen to push for quick runs in what would be their final 10 overs. Steady bowling by Whelpton (captaining the juniors today) restricted the seniors, only Darryl Rebbetts (captain of the seniors) made any other significant contribution with 28 not out off 36 balls. The seniors declaring on 243-6 from 51 overs.

The usual combination of Ben Davies and Mike Murray opened up for the seniors and it was Davies that got the two early wickets with some excellent swing and seam bowling, castling both openers leaving the Juniors 29-2. Murray once again showed excellent control with 8 overs 0-18. Some aggressive fields meant a few boundaries were leaked before the tea break, but Seniors were firmly on top at this stage. Needing some imperious, S Green and Felix Horsham-Holt tried to move the scoreboard along but one of the moments of the day was certainly Derek Horsham bowling Felix through the gate to get one over on his son! However, Jago-Lewis came to the crease and was aggressive from the outset, breezing his way to 50 off just 30 balls to pull the juniors back into the game. Om Knot might have lost a few battles with Jago, but certainly won the war as he threw one outside which was top edged to backward point, an important moment in the game for the seniors. Meanwhile, Trubshaw wheeled away at the other end and was rewarded with the wickets of Green for 37 and Ritchie, ending with 2/44 off 8 overs. Some lusty blows from young Harry Walker scored a run a ball 37 which kept the juniors in the hunt but in the end came up 14 short 8 wickets down, meaning the juniors retained the trophy. The extra time lost for lunch and tea proving vital as 3 or 4 overs more could have meant a win or loss for either side! Another great day, appreciated by many spectators on the Arundel banks.