v Custom House, July 16th
Posted Saturday, July 16, 2005
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Sunseekers v Custom House
at Darley Fields, Derby, July 16th.
Sunseekers won by 72 runs.
AN outstanding batting performance by John Carpenter, ably assisted by the skipper, inspired Seekers to a comprehensive victory over the touring side from Chester.
Batting first certainly helped as Custom House wilted in the heat, while John carted the bowlers all over the field for a magnificent 102. At the other end, Mick Wenn clocked up an impressive 68 which, on any other day, would have no doubt stolen the limelight. (So, thanks John).
A final total of 217-3, looked a tall order to start with but, as Stuart Walters and Fred got among the top order, the result was never in doubt.
Stuart’s left arm pace on an erratic wicket caused Custom House a lot of problems, reflected in his final figures of 3-21 off eight overs. Fred had one delivery smacked back over his head for a six by Steve Nicholls, guesting for his former club, but had the last word with a yorker that hit off stump, before finishing with figures of 2-32 off eight.
The wickets continued at regular intervals, Brian Bennett claiming a couple of wickets (although at a cost of 43, off 7.3 overs) and Stuart’s mate Karl, sporting a Kevin Pietersen haircut, chipped in with 2-33 off six.
Custom House were eventually all out for 143 - their first ever Saturday defeat in 10 years of their annual visit to Derby.
Highlights included Mick Wenn racing in from mid-on to swoop for a catch, only to spill it as he hit the ground (yes, I had to read the first half of that sentence again too). Brian explained that he wished he’d gone for it himself - and he did just that soon afterwards reaching up one-handed to snatch a chance out of Eric’s hands.
Thrilling action as Fred fields, halting Custom House batsman Pete Venables as he goes for a run. Pete just made it back in time.
The athletes of Sunseekers take a well-earned drinks break.
Fred has another look for the shilling he dropped in 1968.
