The BCG was certainly buzzing on Sunday, as the U19 squad hosted two T20 matches, making a real day of cricket.
A Squad of 14, ranging from U19 age down to U13 played first Langley Manor, and then Calmore ( which had been re-scheduled from a previous rain affected match)
Music and announcements from The Entertainment Squad, AKA Messrs Bailiff, Vaughan & Stubbington set the T20 fun atmosphere for the day !
Just before Midday, Bashley won the toss, electing to bat first against Langley Manor. Solid performances from the openers M. Clark ( 27) and P. Lewis ( 21) set a good run rate, until the first wicket fell to Langley’s E. Ponting. The runs continued to build with W. Taylor finishing the innings on 41 not out, bringing the Bashley total to 153/6.
In the field, R. Macciocchi ( 4 over, 15 runs, 3 wickets)Â started with the perfect ball, taking a wicket with the first ball of the Langley innings. Langley’s W. Budd batted to retire at 50, J. Smith ( 20) and T. Spencer ( 14) were the pick of the Langley batsmen, but some superb catching in the field restricted Langley Manor to 125/7
A quick re-fuel and Bashley lads were in action again, again winning the toss and electing to bat against Calmore.
The Bashley openers M. Clark ( 47) and P.Lewis ( 50 retired) again set up a good, steady run rate. P. Holly ( 17) and R. Macciocchi (30) brought some big hitting, excitement and lost balls…. Final score 166/3
In reply, Calmore’s openers were on for a run fest : B. Johns ( 49), J. Nicholson ( 35), S. Godfrey ( 47)…… 3 wickets fell as catches were taken from P. Holly’s bowling ( 4 overs, 19 runs, 3 wickets) ….as the final overs approached, it could go either way. In the final over, Calmore needed 12 runs to win. A stumping from R.Macciocchi’s final over looked as if it was Bashley’s day with a new batsman at the crease. But Calmore’s captain M. Taylor had other ideas running a bye to get on strike: finding the boundary with a 4, then an impossible 6. As scores were tied on the final ball, a miss, a fumble and a bye gave Calmore the victory by 1 run in a hugely exciting match
An excellent day of cricket all round !
