Horsley 4XI unable to keep pace with South Nutfield

South Nutfield: 252/7 (20 overs); Horsley: 152/8 (20 overs)

In spite of the heroics from hatrick hero Howard (Miles) and a typically cavalier innings from Isaac (Steve) scoring a scintillating 52 as well as a classy knock from from Mike Colby (46) it was not enough to keep pace with South Nutfield. Josh Coppen put in lively opening spell and saw the back of the South Nutfield skipper early on. He was ably supported by the ever improving Alex Yalden. However there followed a lengthy partnership dominated by the number three batsman who took control for the next hour and half and in the process hit a racey 100 - decent knock to be fair. His undoing was to be the making of young Hardman who delighted all when he had the batsman specatcularly caught behind by the athletic Colby behind the stumps. Unfortunatley this was to be the only catch to be held as a futher 7 went to ground twards the end of the SN innings; led by the skipper - sorry lads!! Wickets then tumbled with Frankie Isaac getting into the wickets but it was Miles who was irresistable with the ball in hand. Having seen the ball go to ground one too many times he relied on his own guile and remove three in a row; LBW; Bowled and Bowled - take bow Sir! 252 was always going to be a tall order but not impossible. After the unfortunate early exit of Mair cruelly run out by a direct throw Isaac Snr and Colby took the game to South Nutfield. However the introduction of spin saw their demise but not before they had given H&SCC some hope. However spin was to dominate and with the low bounce wickets fell in quick succession as the batsmen tried to keep up with the required run rate. In the end the innings pettered out but not before Yalden showed us what he could do with a couple of lusty blows which was great to see.

Whilst the game was lost there were many positives to come out of it. Considering this was the first outing for most for the best part 8 months there were some excellent performances.

Thank you to all who played. Albury next up...

kind regards

Nigel