The lot of the captain is a varied one, so thanks to Brian for this match report, as well as sterling service winning the toss and keeping wicket!
On a warm but breezy afternoon at Launceston Gunnislake with its stand in captain, Brian Martin, won the toss and elected to bat. It was warm and bright so the intention was to tier the opposition by fielding in the sun for forty overs. Gunnislake sadly turned up with only 10 men but were excellently supported by our President Kevin Veal who stepped in borrowed kit at the last minute to make up the eleven.
Gunnislake started slowly; the wicket was a little green and playing well, but getting the ball “away” proved very difficult. The Launceston bowling attack, while varied in style, was consistently accurate and tied the opening bats down for the opening spell. David was first to fall with his score on 13, while brother Adam continued with Ian Mill building the Gunnislake total. Again runs were difficult to come by and Ian was caught forwards of point of the bowling of Emma Barnes for 10. Adam was joined by Andrew Morris and together a strong partnership built the runs, Adam eventually succumbed to a catch by Samuel Bunn, but not before scoring a fine 65. Andrew continued with George Jefferis and Sylvan Pook to amass a personal score of 63 not out, helping to a team total of 180 from the allotted 40 overs.
It was a good score but proved ultimately to be insufficient to outlast the Launceston attack. Gunnislake opened the bowling well with George Jefferis dismissing the opener with a fine delivery removing the bails with a well pitched ball. Ian Mill had the bottom end well tied up for many overs and Launceston found it just as hard to score runs as Gunnislake. But then disaster struck as George pulled a muscle in his side and had to retire from bowling. Sylvan Pook took up the challenge and took a wicket for the loss of only 34 runs. Andrew Morris followed with Dean Organ and Adam Emerson all bowling well with Andrew and Adam taking a wicket apiece but the Launceston run rate was always good and they overhauled the Gunnislake total with four and a half overs to spare.
Launceston (17 points) beat Gunnislake (6 points) by 5 wickets.