Newdigate 3rd XI 191-5 vs. St Andrews (Burgess Hill) 174-9

 

This was a day not fit for playing cricket. A bitter wind and heavy drizzle swept across the Wivelsfield ground but with both teams consisting of young players, anxious to play cricket the match went ahead.

 

Newdigate batted first and put on a sound opening partnership before the patient Jack Bowley (13) was caught with the score on 62. A rumbustious 21 from Roger Bailey accelerated the score but 13 year old Thomas Ball was carrying his bat as he serenely moved on, square cutting anything short with excellent timing. He was finally out for a chanceless 68 having made his first senior half century. One of many we suspect. The two veterans John Callcut (34) and Dev Patel (33 no) then put on a swift partnership of 60 and Matt Dilger, proudly playing with his new bat, then hit a cameo (11 no) allowing the visitors to post a competive 191-5 after 40 overs. St Andrews bowled and fielded stoically with the impressive, Oliver Brocklehurst, taking two wickets for just nine runs.

 

After tea the rains fell steadily and it was touch and go as to whether the match would be abandoned but then the rain eased off and St Andrews went in to bat. An opening stand of 40 in 7 overs was just what was needed but then 14 year old, Alex Miller, snared both openers and the match was on. Leggy, Jack Bowley (2-31) and off spinner Harvey Mewlis (1-15) bowled tightly and the home team were rocking on 99-6 following the departure of Matthew Woodrow who compiled a good 24. Young, Edwin Dale then hit some delightful drives, backward of cover, and with the assistance of Jim Platt put on a partnership of 61 and with 6 overs to go and 30 runs needed to win St Andrews sensed a chance of victory. Enter another of Newdigate's leg spin bowlers, Matt Dilger. Flighting the ball with great skill he clean bowled Edwin Dale (45) and father and son Jim (8) and Jonathan Platt (0) to give Newdigate four overs to secure victory. Skipper, John Spencer and opening bowler, Josh Smith got their heads down and saved the game with their team ending on 174-9.

 

This development team is an ideal vehicle for bringing the host of talented young Newdigate players into adult cricket. With the experience of senior players such as Dev Patel, John Callcut and Mike Quigley to help, it is gratifying to see so many players making this transition.