Match reduced to 30 over game due to late start due to rain shower.
Mixed Media 149-7 (30 overs).
Pacific innings did commence due to further
heavier showers & water affected pitch.
MM lead by N Harper (56) made a useful total but afterwards Captain Nigel
Wilkinson, despite recent poor batting , was confident the total could have
been reached. "I am disappointed than the weather has prevented us from
having a go & I think we had the batting line up today that would have been
good enough to overhaul their score." Earlier, in a game littered by a low
standard of umpiring~, the bowlers had done well, in keeping the score down
& only N Harper appeared to have the variety in his shots & the confidence
to play them.
John Baglivi 4-37 was unusually expensive but did well by persevering &
picking up the best figures of the day. David Murray varying it between off
spin & medium seam was again the most economical with only runs accredited
from his 4 overs. Good ground fielding too was another feature but Matt
Patel would have been disappointed dropping P Jones (22) early on. Adrian
Duthie too completely misjudged a steepler & N Harper who was well set by
then was out soon after caught by Darryl Roberts at mid off. Adrian was able
to make amends catching P Jones at mid on.
The weather dampened the spirits but not Mixed Media's enthusiasm & despite
worsening conditions played a 5 a side game whilst Pacific's players settled
for the comfort of a warm hostelry.
Without wishing to dwell on this issue:-
- 1. The opening bat was recalled after having been bowled on a no ball which
no one saw signalled or heard called.
- 2. The same batsman clearly edged but it was not given nor did he walk.
- 3. The umpires continually failed to get in position & obstructed our
fielders.
- 4. There was a ridiculous delay when 1 umpire called over, the other said 2
balls remained, the scorer was not consulted & the game was held up.
- 5. Leg byes were signalled when the batter had clearly not played a shot.
- 6. The umpires failed to stop the batsman running on the pitch - as it was
raining, this was even more important than ever.
I believe there is little chance of resuming the fixture against our Lords
Indoors rivals at this level again next season as a consequence.
