Gunnislake achieved a second successive win thanks to a match winning 91 from Andrew Morris. Other highlights included four wickets for Adrian Cameron and a debut for the 23rd squad member this season, Nigel Metcalfe, borrowed while on holiday with his brother Andy.
St Stephens won the toss and asked Gunnislake to bat. Clearly spotting talent, the captain asked Morris to open, with senior pro Barrie James keeping a watchful presence at the other end. A steady start duly ensued, with only occasional stutters of a missed shot or half-hearted LBW appeal to interrupt an otherwise serene and stately progress. Indeed bouts of heavier drizzle were the only concern, with heavier rain threatening a shortened match. Mid innings drinks came and went, with the opening pair still together and 62 runs on the board. At which point Morris decided more aggression was called for and forty seven more were added before James finally succumbed in the twenty-seventh over, having scored a patient 17.
A rejigged batting order ensued, as the hard hitting middle order were promoted up the line. Ryan Knight, on loan from Menheniot Looe for the third time this season, joined the fray, pulled a couple of full tosses for four and decided to selflessly let others have a go. Morris fell on his sword soon after, stumped as he advanced down the pitch. but by then his job was done, and Gunnislake had been left in a very strong position. David Emmerson found the ropes four times, before Sylvan Pook guided the team to a close at 179 for 7. Not the largest total to defend, but a high for the year, and Gunnislake headed to tea with a degree of hope and optimism. Ben Lugger finished with three wickets for St Stephens, who rotated the ball between seven different bowlers.
St Stephens set forth on their chase ably led by their captain Shayn Rencher. For Gunnislake Paul Lees was joined in the opening bowling attack by Sylvan Pook, a tactical decision brought on by Pook’s wider social life and an evening engagement elsewhere. St Stephens managed 17 overs without losing a wicket, but their scoring progress was equally slow, with only 47 on the board. Having been tied down by Pook and Lees the Saltash batsmen eyes lit up with the gentle spin of Andrew Morris. But it was a false hope; a catch to deep mid-off and an LBW off a full toss and the breakthrough had been made. Mr Unsure (AKA Ian Stevenson on loan from Saltash) briefly took on the fight, scoring a hard hitting and classy 33, but he fell to Gunnislake’s own Unsure, Ryan Knight holding a hard catch off the bowling of Adrian Cameron. Indeed Cameron profited well from a St Stephens team who had by then almost given up hope. He finished with four wickets and St Stephens finished 42 runs short on 137 for 7. A valuable 17 points were in the bag.
Accurate, niggling bowling backed up an improved batting display. Now we need a few others to remind us that it is a team game! The rain came and went, but both teams played on through the gloom. “Good job Geoff isn’t playing” said one, and we all agreed, as Geoff prefers to watch the rain from either his car or the pavilion. Still, in his absence Geoff did win first prize for his painting at the village show, so winners all round!
With a bye next week we move on to face League leaders Buckland Monachorum on the 29th, for a third successive home match.
Quote of The Week
“The other advantage England have got when Phil Tufnell is bowling is that he isn’t fielding” – Ian Chappell, Captain, Australia