Washington Cricket Club - 40th Anniversary Year

Shawn Hill reporting

After struggling to get everyone up to the ground in Cambridge in time to get the game started the formidable Wash Machine lost the toss and were sent in to field. The weather was blisteringly hot and the ground dry, the breeze not playing along and disappearing for spells leaving everyone feeling like bacon in a hot sizzling pan.

The Wash started off well as Murrain and Hill (his usual economical 2 for 14 in 10) reduced Pacific to 2-0 after the first 5 overs with some tight bowling. Then came the long hard slog in the heat as Pacific’s no. 4 bat rattled off 99 of their first 140 runs. Tel Tidey struggled to make it to a caught and bowled opportunity on his first ball that could have changed the entire face of the game. Needless to say the wash machine stuck to their task and toiled hard amid some pretty negative batting, everyone chipping in with some wickets. Terry Tidey ended up with the best bowling figures of 3 for 23 in 6.2 overs, one of which was stand in keeper George Hope’s first stumping for the club (watch out Hitchie here he comes!). There was a good display in the field with new boy Dave Ellis (1 for 17 in 5) putting his body on the line as the ball chased him around the field, and stopping some blistering shots in the covers, and Rob Tidey (2 catches) really standing out. Everyone contributed with the ball and getting a few wickets. Wickets were: Hill x2, Ellis x1, T. Tidey x 3, Gilmer x1, Irons x1, Burt x1 and R. Tidey x1. Only Murrain and Boorsma failing to get in amongst the furniture.

A good allround performance in the field saw the Wash reduce their arch rivals to 210 all out in 53 overs in what has to be said was a negative batting performance.

So it was the Wash’s turn to bat and it couldn’t have turned into a worse start with George Hope being caught off a leading edge the second ball of the innings. Burt and Tidey buckled down before Burt struck out sending the ball everywhere. When Tony was out for 57 the partnership had reached a good 121 and the Wash looking well set. Simonis went not long thereafter with the score on 143. Hill then came to the crease and saw Rob depart for a well played 67. Hill was joined by Irons briefly before going out for 22, leaving Irons to steer the tail through some testing moments as Boorsma departed for 0 closely followed by Ellis for 1. Some anxious moments ensued as Gilmer strode to the crease but we should have had more confidence. Irons and Gilmer steered the Wash Machine to a well deserved and hard fought win with some super batting and running, Paul being 35 not out (how are those averages?) and Gilmer on 13 not out.

All in all a good performance in which everyone contributed. Well done the WASH!!!