20/08/2024
After a rain affected draw in the reverse fixture, both sides looked forward to much better conditions as Martock made the short trip up the A303 for their final away game of the season. Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Queen Camel got early joy as Newtons shaky late season form continued, chipping a shorter ball to the hands of Scrowston at square leg in the 4th over. Martock's fortunes improved once Reed joined Slade at the crease and the two recovered the away side to 67-1 before Slade was caught for 14. Reed then retired not out for 42 to give the younger members of Martock's middle order opportunities in the middle. Bad luck and a tricky pitch combined to see mixed fortunes for the youngsters but a late partnership from the more experienced Dennison and Sherriff added much needed runs and brought up a total of 110 for 6 from 20 overs.
A very young home side opted to open their batting with experience too and it quickly became clear that Forbes would be the critical wicket. Athukorala neatly dismissed his opening partner Jenkins Sr for 10, before Forbes and young Scrowston formed a partnership that saw the former eventually retire upon reaching his half century and the latter hit a career high total of 21 before being bowled by Hunt, leaving the home side comfortably ahead of the run rate. Much like Queen Camel in the first innings, Martock chose to use 9 different bowlers to develop match experience, epitomizing the good natured friendliness of true village cricket. This spirit was on show again as a pair of junior Jenkins siblings got Queen Camel over the line in the 18th over, securing the win with a score of 111 for 2.
Result: Queen Camel Win by 8 Wickets
MotM: Dave Reed
