After a much improved performance against league leaders Kilkenny last week we arrived in confident mood on a scorching hot afternoon. With the toss being won again by Lewi who informes us that its 8 out of 9 this season with his lucky 50p we decided to have a bat. With last weeks batting bolstered by the addition of JC we were looking forward to posting a big score on what looked like a good batting track. Things didnt start quite as planned though with Lucy whose mind was obviously on the arrival of the missus deciding to leave a straight one on middle stump. With Jordan joining JC in the middle the innings started to take shape with the scoring rate pushing up to four an over, giving us a solid base after 10 overs just as the captain had ordered! After Jordan had departed for 13 Jules was joined by Chris with both of them quickly getting into their stride pushing the score into three figures, Jules then edged behind after a fine knock of 58 to leave the innings finally balanced at half way. Nick Kiam then came and went quickly for a brisk 14 before Chris was joined by Timmo who recieved ironic applause after getting off the mark after two ducks in the last three weeks (thanks guys) A solid partnership was formed with Chris passing 50 his first for the club and Timmo heading that way pushing the score past 200 for the first time this season, with both departing soon after Chris (69), Timmo (38) it was left to Lewi and Tom “Boz” Bosley to take us to a very respectable 247-6.
After tucking into a fine selection of sandwiches and cakes we took to the field confident of defending by far the biggest score we had posted this season. With the Marsh faithful on the sidelines tucking into what was left of the tea which was considerably more than usual as Lucy had only had one helping (shocking i no!!) the innings started steadily with Hanney creaping up to 50 without loss after 10 overs. A wicket was needed and it came soon after with Timmo bowling one that nipped back to hit leg stump, another followed soon after with Scotty the replacement keeper taking a good catch behind the stumps off Nick Kiam to leave Hanney a mountain to climb. However some lusty blows from their number 3 kept the score board ticking and the nerves on edge. With a breakthrough desperately needed it was left to the skip and vice to make this with Timmo taking a stunning catch on the long off boundary to all but seal the game. Or so we thought!! With the scoreboard constantly ticking over the match started to come more and more into the balance with only excellent fielding from the whole team keeping the required rate at a high level. One noticable bit of fielding was Lucy who added in a dive and roll to impress the home support this however was missed by the two Mrs Jeacocks who were to busy with sudokus and reading the latest edition of Cosmo. With the match heading towards a close finish it was left to another catch from Timmo and tight bowling from Lewi (5-45) to see Marsh home winning in the end by a comfortable 28 runs.
A good all round display for the first time this season lifting us of the bottom of the league. With the return of Tofsy on Saturday (if he dares turn up) and a new found confidence lets hope this is a first win of many that can push us up the league into a position we deserve!
