09/05/2009 - League - Netherne (A)

Newdigate 2nd XI 84 all out vs. Netherne 88-4

Newdigate travelled to the picturesque ground at Netherne and upon winning the toss, skipper James Penfold elected to bat first.

This seemed a pretty reasonable decision but he was not to know that the unpredictable nature of the wicket and accurate seam bowling would make batting very difficult. After just eleven overs Newdigate had slumped to 16-5 with M.Roger (2-17 from 11 overs) and I.Waghorn (3-7 from 6 overs) rampant, as they kept an accurate line and length and were ably backed up by some excellent fielding. Under 15, Jack Bowley (20) then joined Craig Jones (16) and by getting well forward and playing with soft hands they survived for twelve overs before Jones was yorked by Flanagan who bowled a tight eight over spell for just 11 runs. John Callcut (13) then joined Bowley and survival was the order of the day as they battled for the next twenty overs in putting on 35 runs. Young Bowley showed commendable judgement and patience in batting for 34 overs and the Netherne players were generous in their praise but the Newdigate innings came to an end in the 45th over for just 84 runs, but at least that was quite a bit better than it might have been.

The Netherne openers, S.Cuffey (21) and K.Vallance (20), then put on a solid opening stand of 46 before under 15, Jose de Castro (2-14 from 5 overs), had both batsmen caught. Leg spinner, John Callcut (2-15 from 5 overs) then raised Newdigate's hopes but it was too little too late and Netherne safely passed Newdigate's total in the 73rd over.

This concluded a dismal Saturday for Newdigate as after the euphoria of last weekend both league sides were comprehensively beaten.