Game 2 - Charlesworth vs Vets - Ever seen a 50 year old man do the Splits?
After the Vets resounding win last week, Charlesworth fancied a quick rematch and the Vets accepted the challenge. Glossop made 5 changes and welcomed Mark Littlewood into the team for his debut.
Glossop won the toss and the Vets decided to bat first, something they aren't as comfortable with.
After Jay Allens extra work in the nets with Glossops professional, he promised a big score so he was promoted up the order and opened with Steve Marsh. Both batted steady but with Allen on 14 he did everything the pro told him not to do and played across the line, getting bowled for 14. Few more sessions required maybe.... Tim Halpin joined Marsh at the crease and increased the run rate. Marsh was next out for 9 after getting bowled which brought Jamie Kay to the crease. Kay and Halpin looked steady until Halpin knocked 1 down to long mid off calling Kay through for 3 runs, the first 3 of the season and possible the last for this pair, fortunately St Johns Ambulance didnt have to come on but both were out shortly after, Halpin caught down at long mid off for 20, and Kay at deep mid wicket for 10. Charlesworths bowling had been abit erratic on a pitch where the ball was dying and Glossop had benefited from over 30 extras....the highest single score of either innings. Sam Alder and Phil Haggerty were at the crease to finish the innings off, Alder playing well and Haggerty playing his brand of do or die cricket. Both scored at a quick rate but Alder was out for 10, stumped again, given out by stand in Umpire, Jay Allen...again...Shouts from the crowd of 'Get to Specsavers' rung around the ground. Mark Littlewood came to the crease and finished off not out on 2 with Haggerty ending on 10 not out. Glossop finished on 129 for 5 which for the wicket seemed a good score and 1 which they should easily defend.
Charlesworth got off to a good start and the put the pressure on Glossop's opening pair, Haggerty and Kirkham, and were 35 for 0 after the first 4 overs. Kay and Halpin were next on, Halpin found it tough on his first outing of the season and went for a few boundaries but Kay kept it tight from his end, but Glossop werent creating many chances and were still wicketless. Glossop needed to wrestle control back and the ball was thrown to Edgar And Alder. They might sound like a crap solicitors but they dove tailed perfectly with Edgar picking up Glossops first wicket, bowled through the gate, and Alder bowling the best figures of the innings, 3 for 0 off 2 overs. First comedy moment of the season occurred during the middle overs, and yes, it was Glossops sexiest cricketer that was at the centre of it. A hard shot hit through the covers spurred Ingham into action, sprinting towards the ball he realised he possible wasnt going to get his hand to it and went with his leg which appeard to buckle and ended with him in full splits mode, balls to the floor. A large groan went around the other 10 Vets, followed by laughter but Ingham recovered and was next to bowl, with Littlewood. Inghams groin stretch didnt deter his bowlng as his was on point in his first over, backed up well by Littlewood who hadnt bowled for over 20 years. Littlewoods first few balls were abit stiff but in his second over he found his rhythm and picked up his first vets wicket. A faster delivery found some bounce and was knocked up, Halpin taking the catch at short cover. Glossop were now firmly in control. Taylor and Allen bowled the last 4 but with Charlesworth needing 45 to win the pressure was off. Charlesworth did their best to hit out and knocked a few 4s but Allen managed to get the danger man out, a top edge and a superb diving catch from Kay at backwards point and the game was won. Glossop had beaten Charlesworth for the second time in a week and were 2 for 2 for the season. Special mention to Steve Marsh who deputised for Wilde behind the stumps and put in a great perfermance, putting his body on the line.
Man of the Match - Sam Alder - Great work in the field, batting improving and wrested back control with the ball with best bowling figures of the match and unlucky not to get a wicket.
