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It was a case of 12 against 10 as Porthleven took
to the field with just 5 regular first team players due to a daily
drop out through the week, the last one just 25 minutes before the
start!
Winning the toss and deciding to bowl, The Roasters were made to work
hard by Lee Caddy, taking advantage of a pitch that can only be described
as I was in my school days, 'slow and lifeless'. Caddy straight drove
Adam Young for an early 6, and numerous 4's, although his shot a ball
style was bound to be his downfall, as he was warned several times!!
Sure enough, with Mark Pollard introduced in the 11th over the change
of pace worked. In his first over Caddy gave a difficult chance to
cover, Neil 'Jaffa' Barlett just unable to take the catch, but in
Pollards next over the bearded Wrist, Paul Francis took a reaction
catch at point to remover Caddy for 36. From here the rate now slowed,
as with the introduction of the new boy at school, Tom 'Microsoft'
Excel, he soon had the other opener palming himself off to 'keeper
Bray, only to happy to accept. Pollard and Excel bowled well in tandem,
and kept a tight line, restricting the runs, difficult to do on a
large pitch with only 10 men, the effort of the fielders not in question
as they strived for more chances. Carvelly was introduced and it worked
immediately, Excell taking a great catch at fine leg from a top edged
bouncer, how he got so much bounce out of the wicket more surprising
than the catch! Mankee was proving a difficult opponent, and after
reducing the hosts to 137-7 the latter overs proved costly as the
ring was penetrated, leaving long chases for the fielders, and a respectable
score was reached.
Throughout the first half of the game, the home umpire appeared to
be playing the 'back garden' rules - no LBW's, but then had a change
of heart at tea, Turkey's finest, Hassan Bray given out to one that
may not have even stayed on the square, had it not flicked his pad,
but a well rehearsed appeal went up, and you can't turn down an ex
Cornwall bowler can you? Next to go, Jaffa Bartlett, perhaps a victim
of his own questioning of an earlier decision a run out appeal with
his bat clearly grounded, the umpire standing in totally the wrong
position, had no doubt, but it was getting cold! Mr Loverman, Cif
Carvelly rose to the challenge, immediately taking advantage of the
slow surface, smashing four 4's and a 6 in his 16 ball stay before
he was bowled, a turning point in the chase as 'Les' Dawson batted
sensibly throughout, ignoring the intimidation from the aforementioned
County bowler, who's efforts at running right down the pitch after
most deliveries were a joy to watch. I wonder how many big fish he
has in his little pond at home?! Once Adam Young was run out for 7
the writing was on the wall, only Neil 'Tiger' Chilton's 18 ball duck,
and Amla Francis's 9 gave Dawson the support he needed, reaching his
50 just before the innings was ended and the sour grapes could be
spat out!
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