Old Hurstjohnians

Old Hurst Report 11/8/23

After a washout out earlier in the week against Emeriti, the Martlets were ready and raring to go in what is normally a closely contested fixture against one of our oldest rivalries – Old Hurstjohnians. Thankfully a dry day but still overcast led to Rebbetts winning the toss and choosing to bowl on a greener than normal Hurst surface that has boasted two huge individual scores in excess of 170 under Rebbetts’ leadership (Ben Davies and Sam Cooper). With more spin options than seam, Rebbetts opened the bowling with the ever present Ben Whelpton who started with a full toss, leg side half tracker before bowling a peach of a delivery to bowl Fairfax for 0 who had scored a ton earlier in the week. Rebbetts began down the hill from the other end benefiting from an extra over of stretching in his old age to find an early edge of fellow Martlet Warrender for just four leaving Hurst in trouble at 10-2. It didn’t stop there as Whelpton dropped the important batter of Semmence who continued his impeccable record of run scoring in another Hurst week, but in doing so, knocked the ball onto the non-strikers stumps, unfortunately running out Rose for 4. Rebbetts was finding some early movement as got two more wickets leaving Hurst 20-5 after just 8 overs. Speedster A Aris replaced Rebbetts and young Noah Langham replaced Whelpton as Hurst looked to rebuild and moved to 48 before Aris got the wicket he deserved bowling Rodbourne for just 14. 6 overs per bowler seemed to be the way as both Aris and Langham were replaced with Solway (Worthing’s overseas getting a rare bowl) and Rob Burgh. Burgh after conceding 15 in his first over, turned things around beautifully with a wicket before lunch and bowled his next 8 overs 2/21 to end with 2/37 off 9 overs. Solway and Shaw took a wicket apiece to end the innings at 160 all out. Hurst indebted to Semmence (not for the first time, I’m sure) with a beautifully crafted 90 and was last man out.

Martlets continued to get the better of conditions as the afternoon sun came out to aid the Martlets chase. Carter and Forster looked to take advantage of this change in weather but lost Carter early to a good one by Menzies. Forster, motivated by Rebbetts’ previous match report (See Brunswick report), and looked in fine form (as he should be – playing his 5th match in a row!). He and Worthing’s Gavin Miles increased the run rate and got on top of the bowlers. 15-1 became 70-1 at tea and 98 before Miles hit a drag down straight to mid wicket to depart for a well made 45. Forster was determined to not be removed and was joined by an ever-improving F Ferro who was excellent with the gloves in the first half and moved swiftly to 24 not out to take Martlets to an 8 wicket victory! Forster was left 80* and deserved much praise for his knock. Hopefully we see more of this in the future! An excellent display from the Martlets who have won back to back games against Old Hurst for the first time in a while! We look forward to attempting to make it three times next year. Once again, a brilliant day that was enjoyed by all and we thank everyone for making us feel so welcome every time we come back to Hurst. Winter well and see you next season!

Highlights:
D Rebbetts – 3/16
L Forster 80*
G Miles 45th