Match: 12th June

Match report Dedham v West Mersea 12th June 2008 at West Mersea Dedham (83 - 5) beat West Mersea (36 all out) by 47 runs In what is now becoming a bit of a clear trend, an excellent bowling and fielding performance by the Dedham team compensated for not scoring as many runs as we might have done on what was a good wicket, notwithstanding all the rain we have seen recently. Both the West Mersea coaches commentated on how well we bowled, with the match ball being presented to Anjay for the outstanding figures of 4 overs, 4 maidens, 3 wickets for 0 runs! Batting first the big guns of Angus and Jamie immediately set about the West Mersea bowling attack, despite the absence of both the coach, who was detained by a derailed freight train at Witham, and Dimple who was static on the M25. Anna Mortimer kindly agreed to organise the team, with the help of Kevin Wilsher and Martin Williams who once again (another trend?) took over the scorebook. Both batsmen started well but got out when seemingly set, with Angus bowled for 6, and Jamie (12) caught once again. Archie came in at number three and scored 12 followed by Ieuan (11) at number 4. Once Archie had been unfortunately run out, Ieuan and Joe (10) continued to score freely, but when both were bowled hitting across the line the scoring rate dried up, and it took some sensible batting and good running, from Oliver and Harry Wilsher to see us to a reasonable total, but not as high as might have been expected following the start Dedham had got off to. Dedham were a little guilty of impatience in their batting, and need to learn the value of keeping the scoreboard ticking over with singles, especially when the wicket is damp, and the field set fairly deep, rather than trying to go for the big shots. At the change of innings the Dedham team were keen to make up for any batting shortcomings by putting on an excellent display in the field. From the first over to the final wicket the energy shown was absolutely brilliant even in the face of a frustrating opening partnership which was only broken by Archie’s last ball where the disappointed batsman hit a full toss to Bertie, who somehow managed to juggle the ball and hold on at the third attempt! With Ed Mortimer keeping things very tight from the pavilion end, (despite his over long run up!) the scoring rate rose quickly. After a quiet period, Harry Wilsher was unfortunately injured when bravely intercepting a fierce drive from the Mersea opener, but that was entirely due to the cold biting wind, rather than any weakness on his part. Even the coach admitted that he would have waved the ball past, rather than try to catch it! It was with the dramatic introduction of Anjay that wickets began to fall regularly. A classic leg break completely fooled the number three, who looked a very capable bat, and the very next ball Mersea were 3 down as Anjay celebrated another victim bowled. The hat-trick ball was lofted back to the bowler but fell agonisingly short with Anjay showing excellent sportsmanship by stating that he thought it had not quite carried to him. After Ieuan had taken a cheap wicket, Bertie took over from the pavilion end and proceeded to bowl fast and straight, beating the Mersea opener with a beautiful leg cutter which sailed over the top of the stumps and then bowling the same batsman 2 balls later. With Anjay taking another two wickets, both bowled, the game was effectively over and the final nail in Mersea’s coffin was applied by Sean Gregory taking two wickets in his only over, including one with his first ball. Sean, as 12th man had been graciously allowed to bowl by the Mersea umpire, and showed enormous promise in his only over with a lovely upright seam position. A mention must also be made of Harry Spalding behind the stumps who kept very tidily once he got his feet moving in line with the ball. So, another victory for the Dedham team, and another good performance especially in the field. Whilst we have recognised the need to perform well as a unit in the field, the way the players have kept the energy levels high is of special note, and Angus’ captaincy has been excellent, with innovative fielding positions ad good use of his bowlers. Well done to everyone who played and thanks to Martin for scoring, Kevin for his umpiring stint and Anna for stepping in as an organiser. If Dedham can improve their batting to the level of the fielding and bowling, then we will have a great legacy for the future of the cricket club. Felix Fitch

 

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