Friendly vs The Shakespeare, 8th May 2005, London Fields
Much Ado About Nowt
The groundsman had gone for an extra short boundary on the pub side today. Any picnickers under the trees would have been in serious danger, but even though the match started in sunshine, summer had yet to arrive so only the keenest of supporters braved the elements. We won the toss and put the Shakespeare in.
London Fields had a slightly depleted look about us, but everyone gave a good effort and was keen in the field. Special bowling mentions must go to Dave Hickey who bowled an excellent spell, and Vince, out most economic bowler, who was unlucky not to get a wicket. Colin Black kept such a tidy line and length it was a surprise he picked his wickets up in such bizarre circumstances, and Donny produced some challenging deliveries for the batsmen.
When we came to bat we needed a good start, but Wyatt was soon out. Things could only get better. Mark Nuttall kept the scoreboard ticking along with his well-measured shots, firstly with the solid Vince and then with the flamboyant Chris Skinner. Mark was unluckily bowled off his toe to leave us on 68 for 3 after 15 overs. Now was the time to accelerate and make a challenge.
Unfortunately the acceleration came in the interchange of batsmen from wicket to boundary as 5 overs later we were 84 for 6. With just pride to play for Dave Hickey and Nick Isaac hit a quick eleven apiece and the best batting of the day came from Donny who was stranded on 19 when we were all out 88 short.
Off to the pub for a beer with the oppo who we look forward to playing again later in the season.
Anyway, here's the scorecard:
Shakespeare's Batting:
219 for 9 - 35 overs
London Fields Bowling:
| Name | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Average |
| Nick I | 7 | 0 | 51 | 2 | 25.5 |
| Colin | 7 | 0 | 36 | 3 | 12 |
| Dave H | 7 | 0 | 29 | 2 | 14.5 |
| Vince | 7 | 0 | 25 | 0 | - |
| Paul D | 2 | 0 | 26 | 0 | - |
| Donny | 5 | 0 | 36 | 2 | 18 |
London Fields Batting:
| Batsman | Scoring | How Out | Bowler | Total |
| Mark N | - | bowled | Al | 19 |
| Andy W | - | bowled | Matty | 4 |
| Vince | - | bowled | Simon | 2 |
| Chris S | - | ct Simon | Richard | 16 |
| Paul D | - | bowled | Richard | 0 |
| Colin | - | ct Simon | Richard | 0 |
| Donny | - | not | out | 19 |
| Dave H | - | bowled | James | 11 |
| Nick I | - | bowled | Adrian | 11 |
| Dave P | - | bowled | Adrian | 4 |
| Extras | ? | |||
| Total: 131 all out from 29 overs |
||||
Shakespeare's Bowling:
| Name | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Average |
| Simon | 5 | 2 | 9 | 0 | - |
| Matty | 7 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 29 |
| Al | 5 | 1 | 20 | 1 | 20 |
| Richard | 4 | 1 | 18 | 3 | 6 |
| James | 4 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 16 |
| Adrian | 4 | 1 | 19 | 2 | 9.5 |