Hare & Hounds v Broadbottom (29/4/25)
Build up
Last season started with optimism, fresh off the back of a few net sessions. The optimism was soon replaced by frustration as the first half a dozen games were called off due to the weather. This season things started differently; In the run-up we had 1 net session attended to by just our 2 openers. Our first match was to be away at Broadbottom on a pleasant ground with great views of the surrounding hills. The weather was ideal, the only thing visible in the bluest of skies were the aircraft preparing to land at Manchester and like the contrails left in their wake, the sense of optimism still lingered, confirmed by the purchasing of cricket trousers by Will R and new boots by Pagey.
Line up
Will Parker failed a late fitness test and was replaced by a probably more injured than Will Matt Stafford. So, the team we had out consisted of Chris S (C), Chis Col, Rob Chambers, Gino (W), Davo, Will R, Phil B, Phil Rhodes, Matt Stafford, Haggis and Pagey.
First up
We were batting first. However, some things don’t change, and a cut and paste retired not out was placed next to Chris S (25) row in the scorebook. Joining him in the retired not outs Chris Col (26), Gino (25) and Davo (25). We should get a stamp made saying ‘retired not out’ to make it easier and quicker for Pagey.
Will R hit a fantastic six to finish 10 not out and Phil B also finished unbeaten on 2. The wicket of Rob Chambers (caught on 8) being the only cause for celebration for the hosts.
Second up
Broadbottom had to chase down 162, But with a short boundary down the hill we knew we had had to bowl well. Of that we did to a man. Before the opposition could blink Rob Chambers had a victim, with Gino taking a stumping, Phil B at the other end picked up a wicket clean bowled. Then another wicket for Rob Chambers caught at mid-off by Matt Stafford, a bowling change and another clean bowled this time Haggis doing the damage.
The early wickets set the tone, Phil B showing his silky footwork passing a long off boundary bound attempt along the line to deep extra cover. Phil Rhodes, Matt Stafford, Davo, and Pagey didn’t get the luck they deserved. But by the time Chris Col took a good catch fizzing towards him at deepish mid-wicket off the bowling from Will Reddington the very notion of a chase was fading quicker than the sunlight, and Broadbottom just wanted to survive. Matt Stafford helping them in this regard by not even getting close to a dolly off Chris Col. The innings closed with Broadbottom trailing by about 80.
Eat up
The teas were top notch, the beer was as lively as Phil B in the field. The moment of the match going to Will Reddington for his six.
Next up
Charlesworth at home Wednesday 7th of May.
