Goodwood CC

The Martlets and Goodwood each enjoyed a 10 wicket win from the previous two match ups. This year was to come down to the wire.

Goodwood won the toss, overlooked by the 260 year old Cedar of Lebanon tree and glimpses of Goodwood House through the Festival of Speed set up. The Martlets took to the field to bowl our 40 overs.

The best way to consume highlights of this match is to redirect yourselves to Sanderstead CC’s YouTube channel and watch the, “Proper ground, Proper cricket” match highlights.

M.Murray restricted the openers and got the initial breakthrough. We were on top of the game, with tight spells from P.Lamb, B.Whelpton (2-43 from 8) and W.Johnson (2-41 from 8). We managed to restrain the New Zealand indoor cricket international from damaging the Pavilion thatch too many times with Ben getting the big scalp. However, with wickets in hand, Goodwood could open their shoulders in the final 10 overs and posted a total of 222.

Having impressed for The Martlets at The Castle, Thomas Drake-Brockman opened up with Jordan Shaw. After two overs, we were on 26. The 50 partnership came up in the fourth over. 65 after six. This looked like it could be a quick game before J. Shaw surprisingly got bowled by the leggy as we were anticipating his fastest Martlets hundred yet. After more consecutive boundaries TDB retired out on 51, keeping the game alive. Top Aussie.

After losing regular wickets, we tried to consolidate and the RRPO started to creep up. With 10 overs to go, 49 runs needed and three wickets remaining we were heading into thriller territory.

Ben Whelpton played a crucial and mature innings for a run a ball 41 and it looked like Ben and Michael would see us home with ease with three runs needed. Instead Michael followed Ben into the pavilion and left our last two batsmen to try to save the game.

J. Heaven was served up a long hop on his first ball and the game was ours. Don’t bowl there to Jonny!

Even sweeter, was the superb traditional match tea provided by Goodwood.

Ed McCarthy