05/06/10 - Epsom Methodist (F) - Away

Epsom Methodists CC XI 296-6 beat Newdigate CC 3^rd XI 133 all out

The Newdigate 3^rd XI travelled over to Epsom on Derby Day to pay a visit to the Epsom Methodists Cricket Club in a 40 over friendly fixture. On a humid afternoon the hosts won the toss and decided to avoid fielding in the sun and bat, on what looked to be a well grassed and lively track though pitted against a slightly under strength Newdigate side. Nevertheless Newdigate bowled with real purpose from the off, and openers Dev Patel (8-0-58-1) and Alex Miller (6-2-30-2) soon had the hosts backpedalling and defending their stumps. As usual the steep bounce of Patel caused problems for EMCC and once young Miller found his rhythm he also enjoyed success, snapping up S. Darke (17) at short mid wicket by he ever alert Jack Bowley and another wicket shortly after with the R. Darke (16) caught at square leg by Will Roberts. A change of bowling introducing young Roberts also paid dividends and he immediately struck, gaining a first ball wicket and going onto figures of 2-26 off 4 overs thus leaving the EMCC teetering on 69-5. Interesting times one might have thought however the arrival to the crease of Johnson at that point who, being ably partnered by remaining Epsom opener Smith (43) unwittingly spelt trouble for Newdigate. Once set, the left handed Johnson continued onto a well crafted century (116 not out) and no manner of bowling changes or fielding could stem the tide of runs for their sixth wicket, which eventually fell at 220. Whilst tight bowling by young Newdigate spinners Bowley (8-0-36-0) and Harvey Mewis, as well as medium pacers Cameron Osborne and Charlie Pilcher kept the game interesting the pitch began to iron out and EMCC found runs easier to come by as their innings unfolded. A quick fire 32 not out by all-rounder M. Darke allowed Epsom to finally post a formidable looking 296-6. After the tea break a re-arranged batting order saw skipper Mike Quigley partner Jack Bowley though after a steady start and only several overs in, the skipper had to retire on 9 with what seemed a serious arm injury. However No. 3 Cameron Osborne (30) did a fine job steadying the ship with Bowley (13) until the spin of M Darke began to make inroads and several quick wickets ensued. Whilst Harvey Mewis began comfortably enough with 2 lovely boundaries before falling to the pace of Brown, it was left to keeper Roger Bailey who fought a brave rearguard innings with an excellent 40 before unfortunately being run out. Newdigate compiled 133 and were as it appeared, well beaten on the scoreboard. The game though saw several encouraging performances from the younger Newdigate players with both bat and ball and as always in cricket, with a certain amount of luck at crucial times during this game the result could have been vastly different. Epsom though proved a most friendly and competitive opposition and a loss to this tight knit club is no cause for despair to the Newdigate 3^rd XI.