An interesting line-up saw Werrington well represented in this match, eventually contributing three players to the South Petherwin team and two to Gunnislake. And in the end, apart from the weather, Werrington had the most influence on this match.
Losing the toss once again, Gunnislake were asked to take the field. Enter the arena South Petherwin openers Steve Smith and Kolpak signing from Werrington, Nick Ward. Nick was one of the star players missing from the Werrington team against Gunnislake last week, and on the evidence of this match that was a good thing, at least for Gunnislake. He was playing for Werrington first team until 2014, before recently dropping to the fourths to play with his sons. Averaging 227 for Werrington IV (43 not out, 86 not out and 98), he proceeded to bludgeon our brave but ultimately helpless bowling around the ground. Sam Boundy nearly took a brilliant catch as a rocket from Ward screamed through his hands en route to the boundary, but otherwise barely a sniff. The runs started freely and were soon accumulating at five an over, only for the rate to accelerate as the innings went on. Smith joined in after pulling a muscle in his groin, deciding boundaries were the way to go, and only fell just short of his own century. Occasional catches were not taken, as the fielders were perhaps distracted by the biting wind and the gathering menace of dark grey clouds, the portent of heavy rain to come. After 40 overs the misery ended, with South Petherwin on 272 for 0. George Jefferis’s bowling figures were almost passable, and Daniel Howgill, playing his first Cornwall League match bowled seven overs of very respectable leg spin.
We had planned to resume without a tea interval, in an effort to beat the rain, but a brief shower meant we could not tear the players away from the usual sumptuous feast provided by South Petherwin. Eventually the field was taken, with Stephen Lees and Brian Martin setting off in hopeful pursuit of defying the weather and a record win. However it was not to be; the rain started to fall at 38 for 0, although South Petherwin agreed to continue as Gunnislake sought at least one bonus point for their afternoon’s travail. Distracted by this kind offer, skipper Lees was bowled next ball, leaving Brian Martin to take the glory with a boundary to secure the single batting point. Cue a dive for cover, second helpings of tea and then home again through the downpour.
On another day, this match could have been different, but without the intervention of the weather Gunnislake would probably taken a hammering from South Petherwin. Or was that Werrington?
Quote of the Week
“Well, Andrew Strauss is certainly an optimist—he’s come out wearing sunblock” Australian commentator