Sussex Martlets | Sussex Martlets

Match Report

Junior Martlets 235 all out Ben Candfield 65, Toby Pullan 31, Dominic Keats 27, Joe Gilligan 22, Joe Ludlow 21.

If the Club’s vice presidents needed any convincing that the future of the traditions of Martlet cricket are safe then this game must have left them with a warm feeling of security. A look at the green nature of the wicket convinced Joe Ludlow, the Juniors captain, that a little early bowling might be a good move. He duly won the toss and asked the Martlets to have a bat. The decision paid off and tight bowling from Joe White and Will Wright had the openers working hard to find runs. The two “school bullies” of recent years Andrew Hartridge and Nick Seager were removed cheaply, while Greg Wisdom resisted doggedly. He eventually was caught behind by Rob Cope off the accurate bowling of Dominic Keats. When the chairman was bowled by Ben Candfield 26 overs had been bowled and the score stood at 69 for 4. Darryl Rebbetts was joined by Michael Murray and they began to rebuild the innings. 38 overs were bowled before lunch and the Juniors were happy viewing the 104 for 4 on the board. The partnership accelerated after lunch and Rebbetts moved to a very fine century while captain Murray passed the 50 mark. Of the bowlers Will Wright’s economy of 2.2 an over was remarkable while the spin of Ben Candfield and 15 year old Alex Copeland was worthy of note. None, though, looked out of place in the senior company.

Joe Ludlow and Harry Rollings made a steady and confident start and some fine shots flowed from the bat. The story of the early part of the innings was of batsmen getting set only to fall. A moments indecision while looking for a third run was Joe’s undoing while catches in the deep accounted for Sam Cooper, Toby Pullan and Dom Keats when they all looked to be on the way to a big score. Harry Rollings was set home by an astonishing catch in the slips. The Juniors were 100 behind the target when the sixth wicket fell and at this point Joe Gilligan was joined by Ben Candfield and what followed was an outstandingly mature rebuilding performance. Chanceless clean hitting characterised the Candfield performance as they put on 50 for the 7^th wicket to bring the scores ever closer. Michael Murray had kept the gate temptingly open with his bowling changes which to a large extent had paid off. After Gilligan fell he was supported by Will Wright briefly and then by some delightful straight hits by Joe White. The 9^th wicket fell with the scores tantalisingly close….11 needed off 3 overs and the last man in! Unruffled Ben Candfield and Alex Copeland closed the gap and 8 were scored off the last over to level the scores and still 3 balls remained. Two dots; one needed off the last ball; a push to short midwicket…..Ben didn’t quite make it…. Run out….a tie! What a day!

Bitter sweet at the end maybe, particularly for Ben after such a great innings only to see the ultimate goal vanish away. It was, though, a real privilege to have been there to witness such a game; real cricket at its best. On a personal note I would like to thank all the Juniors who have played this Summer and particularly Joe Ludlow who has been a fine captain.