24/07/2022
Match Report - 23rd July - Dulverton v Lydeard St Lawrence (A)
After an agonising loss against Huish the previous week, Dulverton CC travelled out to Lydeard St Lawrence who sat in 2nd place in the league. Harry âHis Lordshipâ Harrison, Adrian âMushyâ Smith and Sammy âThe Kingâ How were all unavailable leaving Dulverton with a shortage of recognised bowlers.
To add further trauma there were still some lingering memories of the return fixture which, as far as Dulverton were concerned, never happenedâŠ
After a brief spell of unexpected rain the captains made their way to the middle where, inexplicably, Carl âthe useless tosserâ Hooper won another toss on the bounce. Taking into consideration the bowling options, Hoops chose to entrust the team with a bat.
Graham âGTâ Turner and Rob âTap Tapâ Dubery opened the innings with GT steaming along until a contact lense related issue arose causing him to briefly retire.
Ali Blundell took to the crease during his absence before Rob âTap Tapâ Dubery was pinned at the stumps for an LBW; Graham managed to reassert his vision in time to come back into the fold. Ali Blundell faced a few balls from their opener, Lambert, who eventually bowled him out for a duck.
The Captain, Carl Hooper and GT stuck around for a while keeping the scoreboard ticking along with GT celebrating his half century during their partnership. There was some relentless bowling from T.Smith who, on the final ball of his spell, claimed Hoops who was caught in the field for 24.
Dave âThe Shepherdâ Rendle also made his way to 50 runs as GT, Tom âGolden Ballsâ Blundell and Toby âcricket brainâ Cottrell all made way. Mitch Bennellick, with The Shepherd guiding him through from the other end, made a quick fire 10 runs off two balls via some very filthy thick edges and settled in for the duration for 37*. Oli Shortman was unfortunate to get run out whilst the other young gun, Max Routley, managed to come away with 5* giving the team a respectable score of 218/8.
Dulverton took to the field with Rob âTap Tapâ Dubery opening the bowling attack. Contrary to the bowling concerns a dream start ensued with Lydeardâs No.1 falling during the first over with a nick back to the keeper. GT and Tap Tap continued to plug away until the next breakthrough with a catch on the slips from Ali Blundell. The dynamic duo of Tom âGolden Ballsâ Blundell and veteran Andrew âCheesyâ Nicholas came on for the change and took a further four wickets between them including a palm stinging catch from The Shepherd at Long off. Ali Blundell and the Shepherd finished things off however, within the 38th over, Lydeard had met their target and took the win by 4 wickets.
There might have been some small ripples on the seismometer as a mild earthquake was recorded on the boundary; an intense battle between Rob âTap Tapâ Dubery and Mother Earth - despite Robâs best haymaker it would seem Earth won that round.
Unfortunately another loss for Dulverton CC however, given the circumstances, a well fought out contest against tough opposition who look to challenge for honours this season in Division 2.
