v Normanton Centurions, May 16
Posted Monday, May 24, 2010
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Normanton Centurions 73 all out
Sunseekers 74-0 (Ashton 38*)
SUNSEEEKERS landed their first win of the season in fine style as Normanton Centurions were despatched by 10 wickets at a surprisingly pleasant Chaddesden Park. Although Derby City Council still charges too much for distinctly average facilities, Chadd is much better after a recent refurbishment than it was the last time we played there and the wicket, although a little low at times, played pretty well.
'Happily ensconsed in the Smithfield beer garden by 5.30'
It was an interesting looking Seekers line-up, with a return to action after about 25 years for David Williamson, who counts the same number of years as old BB… now we just have to sort out the matter of which of them was born first and Brian might lose his most ancient player tag. At the other end of the scale, there was a debut for Rob Coxon, Ross's brother, and a guest apperance for Brom Sibson, Robin's son, while Ross was captaining the side for the first time in the absence of the LFC.
The game started hilariously, with a spate of wickets and Normanton's opener urging each new batsman to "take your time" before swiping cross-batted at every ball himself. He was dangerous but once Matty bowled him, it became a procession.
Rob Coxon soon showed he could swing the ball in a promising first bowl, while your reporter was happy enough with three wickets (and FIVE dropped catches!) in his first game since the hip op.
It all added up to 73 all out and there was a unanimous feeling that a comfortable, rather than scraped win would be good for morale generally, even if it meant a few people didn't get a bat. And with the help of 30 extras, that's what happened, as Howard stroked his way elegantly to 38 not out and Jim watched him do it… oh, and chipping in 9 runs himself.
A suspected broken thumb for Brom, later confirmed, as he took a good catch, was the only thing to sour a fine day, with almost the whole team happily ensconced in the Smithfield beer garden by 5.30.
CC
