An epic encounter with twists and turns in (more ways than one) saw Gunnislake come out top in an exciting match with Launceston III. The match was in the balance until the final three overs, when Launceston fell short in their run chase amidst a flurry of run-outs. Gunnislake had started the day with eleven home players for the first time this season, but perhaps due to altitude sickness finished the match with only nine. Read on for the full story!
The selection committee rang the changes following last week’s dismal performance, bringing in Andrew Morris, Iain Barker and Steve Woods, for their first game of the season, recalling Adrian Cameron and handing a debut to Adam Emmerson. Seven potential bowlers and a strong batting line-up gave cause for optimism; add in bright summer sunshine, a third toss won and the scene was set.
Launceston came with their usual array of promising youngsters, including three women (are you reading this Charmaine?). Gunnislake chose to bat, opening with Morris and the experienced Barrie James. After a watchful start James was bowled by Shayn Davey, the smallest player on the pitch, but bowling accurately and getting movement off the wicket. From there though Launceston’s luck was out, as first Morris and Stephen Lees and then Morris and Emmerson steadily piled on the runs. Lees fell with the score on 108, but the third wicket was not until the 36th over, by which time the 200 had been posted and maximum batting points secured. Morris was out not far short of a century and Emmerson missed his fifty by an agonising single run. Nevertheless at tea Gunnislake had posted a total of 214 for 5. Shayn Davey and his brother Tom were pick of the bowlers, with two wickets apiece.
After team photos Launceston began their reply, sending in star batsman Bill Glen and wiley campaigner Paddy Webber. The score rattled up at a steady rate, matching the Gunnislake innings closely, and Gunnislake gradually got frazzled and Launceston’s hopes rose. Glen was dropped three times before finally succumbing to a run out by a direct hit from the covers. Undaunted Webber continued the chase, frequently stepping outside his stumps to pull the ball behind square. Tom Kenyon also hit hard to leg, choosing his shots carefully. Cue brief excitement when Tom was bowled, but reprieved on the grounds of being not ready.
But this was the forerunner of the main match event as Paul Lees, chasing the ball like a demented ferret, just saved a boundary, but at the expense of a twisting fall that left him writhing on the ground. The batsmen ran four and then attention was turned to the prostrate Lees. A badly swollen knee and some odd angles led to a decision to call an ambulance (hope you’ve stopped reading before this Charmaine). Cue conference: did we want to abandon the game or play on? Launceston offered a substitute fielder, and Gunnislake in a fit of killer instinct decided to go for it. Paul was left to watch…….
The excitement was too much for Pook, who had left early. By now Gunnislake’s hopes rested with Barker and the off-breaks of Adam Emmerson. The required run rate stayed at nine an over for quite some time, and frequent hunts for balls lost in the long grass were needed as the boundaries flowed. But Webber stepped across once too often, to be bowled by Emmerson, and Gunnislake scented victory. Launceston swung lustily but missed too often; three more run-outs followed as hope faded and Gunnislake thankfully stuttered to their first win of the season. Hands were shaken, everyone was congratulated on a game played in fine spirit and we all went on our way. Some left for a well deserved pint, others to catch the FA Cup final highlights and Paul and his captain to Derriford A&E. Never a dull moment!
Gunnislake 214 for 5. Launceston 189 for 7. Gunnislake (18 points) beat Launceston (6 points) by 25 runs.
Postscript
Paul and I left Derriford at 4am; Paul with painkillers and crutches. Knee x-rayed, nothing broken, but too swollen for further diagnosis. Probable ligament damage, but possibly just severe bruising, and the specialist knee clinic will call him back. Silly boy still harbours hopes of playing next weekend!