Back to Earth

Houston, we have a problem.  In a stern test against the league leaders St Austell, Gunnislake were found wanting in every department.  By the end of a hot day Gunnislake had subsided to a comprehensive 91 run defeat.  After flying high we were brought back to earth with a bump. 

Rumours of a weak St Austell side were taken with a pinch of salt, as they fielded their usual crop of exciting youngsters, supported by Mathew Nile (recently of the second team and averaging over 150 in Division 6).  Gunnislake were missing Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah and Ross Potter, but were otherwise at full strength. 

Gunnislake won the toss and chose to have use of the new ball, while Sam Bennetts and Toby Clarke opened for St Austell (combined age around 35?).  In the hot sun youth triumphed over experience as Gunnislake toiled away with no reward.  Bennetts was watchful while Clarke was more aggressive.  With a fast outfield there was frequent hunting for the ball in the surrounding woodland and hedges.  The opening bowlers came and went and it was only at the second change when Pook finally achieved a breakthrough, trapping Bennetts LBW for a career high 38 runs.  But there was no respite as Clarke was joined by Nile and the run rate continued to climb steadily.  Clarke was not over-awed by his senior partner and continued to match his scoring, pulling and driving off both the front and back foot.  The end came when Clarke was in sight of a maiden century, finally bowled by Mark Everett for 95.  A slight anti-climax for the youngster, but it was an innings to look back on with pride.  Gunnislake did get two late wickets to secure a second bowling point, but Nile shepherded St Austell through to an imposing 233 runs.  Nile remained unbeaten on 58.

Now 233 one a fast and dry outfield could be achievable, but alas the Gunnislake batsmen seemed to lack any belief.  Adam Emmerson perished early and wickets fell at alarmingly regular intervals.  Stephen Lees held firm for a while, and Owen Patton had a quick cameo, but Gunnislake were always behind the run rate.  Mark Everett blocked defiantly, holding up St Austell for a while and there was a late flurry from Lee Roberts.  Lee clearly has a long way to go if he is to take on Paul Lees’s mantle as the number eleven rabbit.  But after 32.2 overs it was indeed all over; Gunnislake were bowled out for 142.  There were three wickets apiece for Charlie King (St Austell under 15s) and Steve Jarman (a rare case for St Austell of an over 60s player).

Gunnislake did not play badly, but came up short in every department.  St Austell’s march to the league title continues undisturbed, while Gunnislake must regroup in the chase for the runners’ up spot.

St Austell IV 233 for 4 (T Clarke 95, S Bennetts 38, M Nile 58no) Gunnislake 142 all out (S Lees 38; S Jarman 3-18, C King 3-21).  St Austell IV (20 points) beat Gunnislake (5 points) by 91 runs.

Scorecard