Heavy rain had been forecast, but come Saturday morning the grey clouds merely threatened as Gunnislake headed south to St Blazey for their final match of the season. Eleven men good and true made the journey, with only Ian Mill appearing on the scorecard as Unsure. In truth it was one of our strongest sides this season, with David Emmerson back from a tour of duty, Iain Barker recalled and Brian Martin back from sunning himself in the Mediterranean.
The captain once again won the toss (not sure how many, but well over 50% J) and the visitors chose to bat, on what looked like a very good track. Gunnislake made heavy weather of their start, in part due to some uneven bounce, but also credit to St Blazey, with some fiery bowling from captain Joe Bailey, complemented by accuracy from Jowan Isbell. Andrew Morris took up the early challenge, cracking three fours, but then gave a sharp catch to point. From there the trouble started as Isbell winkled out Barrie James, Ian Mill, Stephen Lees and Brian Martin with only two runs between them. Adam Emmerson watched in horror from the other end as his team collapsed around him. Enter twin brother David to the rescue, hitting two quick fours as St Blazey gave their second string bowlers a run out, but then he missed one to fall LBW to Matthew Appleton. 42 for 6 and an embarrassment was on the cards. Iain Barker showed his experience and dug in while Adam Emmerson continued to mix sound defence with some aggressive driving. Two sixes landed on the pavilion roof and a third cleared the onside safety fence as the score gradually recovered. A stand of 65 was ended when Barker filed to get up the hill for a second run, having contributed 11 to the 65 partnership. However, St Blazey decided enough was enough and brought back their opening bowlers. It did the trick; Emmerson was bowled by a short one that kept a bit low and the traditional Gunnislake collapse resumed normal service. The end came with Paul Lees bowled first ball (plus ca change), leaving Sylvan Pook stranded on 11, Extras on a handsome 32 and the score a relatively respectable 145. Bailey and Isbell between them had taken eight wickets.
Daniel Kendall and Josh Carne opened the St Blazey response, with Sylvan Pook given the first over for Gunnislake. Not a cunning plan, but more due to a planned early departure for his brother’s golden wedding do and a three line whip from Mrs Pook! The short straw for bowling uphill went to Paul Lees. St Blazey set off at a gallop, scoring at five an over and it looked as if another quick win (or defeat depending on your point of view) was on the cards. In time Pook and Lees found a line and length and the rate dropped back down to little more than three an over. Then Pook made the breakthrough, bowling Kendall, before Lees had his own bowled; Gunnislake had their first bowling point! But Carne and Joe Bailey continued steadily, keeping well ahead of the run rate. With Pook departing George Jefferis took over, and seemed to be in one of his more aggressive modes. Coming down the hill his pace and occasional lift and movement caused trouble. Three catches were taken, including a caught and bowled and David Emmerson took a fine running catch and deep mid-off to give Barker a wicket. There were not many runs to play with, but St Blazey were wobbling. However, after a rocky start Simon Martin began to find his range, cracking 31 runs to see the home side over the line with four wickets to spare.
This was a much improved performance on the previous week, with some excellent bowling and fielding from Gunnislake. Ultimately, however, the batting let the team down, with only Adam Emmerson standing between St Blazey and a rout. Thanks to the traveling support from Helen and and also Kevin and Marion Veal. Perhaps next year we will give you a bit more to cheer about!
St Blazey (20 points) beat Gunnislake (six) by four wickets.
Blaze Away by the band of the Royal Artillery