Hampshire Hogs

Martlets vs Hampshire Hogs CC at Warnford

27th June 2021

Hoggs 246-9 declared, 52 overs, (H Sparks 89, K Sharma 66, M.Murray (3-22)

Martlets 248-2, 30.4 overs (R Ryan 101*, J Shaw 98* , E McCarthy 41)

Oh this rain plagued summer! On the Saturday the BBC weather chart, for the 5 hours post noon on Sunday, predicted chances of heavy rain at Warnford as 98, 99, 99, 97 and 96%.

It was surely a question of when, not if, another match bit the (soggy) dust. If dust can ever be soggy that is….

The Hogs called me at 8am on the Sunday and said let`s chance it.

So glad we did.

Aside from a little light drizzle and rain between innings we managed a full day`s play. Fair to say matters were speeded up by ferocious hitting, from Shaw and Rohan Ryan. The charming Bajan (playing after a superb tip-off from the ever-alert Yolanda Hinton – Worthing`s finest ever scorer and Martlet saviour) had earlier made his mark with a sharp run out and accurate spell of spin. Congratulations Rohan on your maiden Martlet ton.

RR wasn’t the only bowler of note – in fact there were 9! The skipper was so convinced the heavens would open any minute that he contrived to race through the overs and get as many of his team involved before the inevitable deluge.

By lunch at 1.30, 9 of us had bowled at least 4 overs each and we had got through 40 overs. Special plaudits to Mark Chapple (8-31-2), Peter Lamb (11-37-2) and Mike Murray (7-22-3). MC and PL roared in as if their lives depended on it. They thoroughly deserved their key top-order wickets.

The father and son Rydon contributed 4 overs a piece, some healthy wit and won the hamper of the day award at lunch.

John Ashworth`s final 5 overs couldn’t quite match the preceding opening, electrifying, maiden. He was still allowed to join me on the Warnford swings however, during our innings. Allegedly Mr Hodder has photographic evidence!

Nick Beechey`s first 2 overs yielded 32, but his final 2 only 5 and the crucial wicket of Sparks.

Jordan kept wicket and kept us on our toes – both roles performed with his usual aplomb – and then blasted the ball to all corners of the beautiful ground. Jordan and Ed McCarthy were the only non-bowlers. Ed was clearly saving himself for a stylish batting display and didn’t disappoint with his 41 runs in 41 minutes off only 28 balls.

Many thanks to Bryan Tomalin for umpiring, in his characteristically cheerful fashion, alongside the Hog`s irrepressible Mr Miller. Thanks in addition to our world class scorer Andy Hodder, assisted when torches needed waving by Ms Judd.

It was lovely to have the Murray and Beechey fan clubs in attendance, especially as Tina brought along Mike`s delicious birthday cake. Next stop TMS!

PW

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