A bank holiday Monday fixture was always going to be a challenge, and so it proved. Creative solutions were employed by both teams as Gunnislake signed up four more occasionals from Yelverton Bohemians, and Ladock arrived with a total of nine players, including four unsures. Ladock turned to youth, whereas Gunnislake opted for experience.
Gunnislake won the toss and chose to bat. Barrie James and Sylvan Pook gave a solid start, aided by a number of wides, but a mid-order collapse of which England would have been proud left the score on a precarious 122 for 8. A late thrash from new boy Ian Dawe took the total to 139 all out while Dave Warner, playing again after thirty years on the sidelines, exceeded his personal target by four runs. Pick of the bowlers were 13 year old Chris Aire (borrowed from Tideford) and captain for the day Rob Brown, with 3 wickets apiece.
139 was always going to be hard to defend, with a less than mobile fielding side, but a mere nine batsmen gave Gunnislake hope. Mike Waller, well known to many as a Cornwall Over 50s player, opened for Ladock with Chris Hugo, but neither lasted long, with Waller being run out by a direct hit. The game was still in the balance, but Adrian Balentyne had other ideas. The run rate accelerated, the field scattered far and wide and while two more wickets did fall to catches, the end was in sight. The victory came with Ballentyne stranded on 45 not out, and Gunnislake rueing several missed catches. Ian Dawe bowled well, but with no luck and Sylvan Pook took a stunning catch, but these were crumbs of comfort as Gunnislake slipped to another defeat.
The weather was lovely and everyone (I think) enjoyed the game. Earlier in the week both teams were struggling to raise a side, so getting to the finish line was in itself a victory. But any former players out there reading this, give us a ring, the team needs your help!
Gunnislake 139 for 9 (5 points) lost to Ladock II 140 for 4 (20 points) by six wickets.