Frogs CC | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

Due to a number of last minute drop outs and a novice match manager The Martlets arrived with 3 Hunts, 2 Trubshaws and 3 umpires. MM was able to avoid a diplomatic incident by assuaging one of the umpires with the offer of the delights of the Horsham creperie and we were back to the correct complement.
The Frogs were in greater disarray with a number arriving late and some clearly the worse for wear. A 40 over game was agreed. The Frogs skipper declared that he had selected a strong team and it was therefore agreed that the Frogs would bat.
Jordan agreed to give us 3 overs. Well, they say the best things come in small packages. First 3 balls unplayable, 4th a classic outswinger invited the edge and was well caught by Steve Hunt (10 year older model). Frogs skipper back in the pavilion. Next 2 balls absolute snorters and number 3 survived by skin of his teeth. Evergreen David Christmas (DC) opened at the other end and with the assistance of some great fielding we had our second maiden. The dye was cast and the Martlets were playing like a Saturday Premier League outfit. Jordan finished his spell, 3-3-0-1 , DC 4-3-4-0. Score after 6 overs, 4 for 1.
Enter Jack Trubshaw for his Martlet senior debut. First ball, a spitting cobra that took the edge and was dutifully caught at slip by Hunt Snr. What an entrance and it didn’t flatter to deceive as Jack secured a second wicket maiden with a catch from Dad. Score after 10 over, 7 for 3.
Time for Trubshaw Snr to join the fray. Bowling in tandem with Jack, Trubby quickly showed that you can also burgle wickets with a bit of nous. It was a fantastic spectacle and Jack needed to be withdrawn to give Hogs some relief. MM brought himself on and, to his horror took a wicket first ball. At drinks and the halfway stage the Frogs were in desperate trouble at 53 for 5 off 20 overs.
A change of strategy was needed to make this a game and the father/son combination was changed to the Hunts to serve up some buffet bowling. Don’t mess with the game of cricket rang in MM’s ear and it looked as if we were suddenly in danger of losing our grip when Frogs powered to 133 for 5 off 30.
Buffet was replaced by the Trubshaws and the change was almost immediate. Wickets started to fall reassuringly again and the run rate slowed. Jack bagged 3 and Trubby 4 and DC was re-introduced, taking the final wicket with his first ball back. Hogs 174 all out from 35.1 overs. A bit stiffer than we wanted on a pitch that was taking significant turn, but a match at least.
Hunt Snr clipped the first ball of the innings for a classy 4 and never looked back. James Chadburn deflected a ball onto his stumps to end what he recounted as having been a chastening season. Subsequent reports inform that Chadders kit is now in land-fill. Our overseas Rohan Ryan didn’t quite get going but Steve kept us well up with the rate. Steve holed out for 44 but by this time Jordan was taking over.
Frogs turned to spin and suddenly everything started to look more difficult as extravagant turn accounted for Stuart Richie and Alex Hunt. Our guest keeper Dan Austin came in and gave solid support to Jordan until Jordy became the 6th wicket following an excellently crafted 47, with the score on 139 – 35 to win. Tricky, and time for a captain’s innings.
After blocking my first 6 balls I didn’t fancy it and decided to hit out and, with luck on my side raced along before holing out with 4 needed. Responsible Dan saw us over the line with young Jack in the 31st over.
The Martlets had put in a fantastic performance in a great setting and in rare sunshine. A great day was had by all. As for the Frogs, they may choose not to party so hard next year!!
Frogs – 174 all out, 35.1 overs
Marltets – 178 for 7 off 30.3 overs.
Martlets win by 3 wickets

Performances of note –
Bowling – Jack Trubshaw – 8-1-53-3 , Mark Trubshaw – 7-0-52-4, David Christmas 5.1-3-6-1.
Batting- Steve Hunt 44 , Jordan Shaw 47, Jules Hunt 31