Despite a fine century by Adam Emerson, Gunnislake fell 32 runs short against South Petherwin 2nd XI in a high scoring match at Hawkmoor.
Despite a small amount of overnight rain the weather stayed dry and hot for the match, and with a fast baked outfield a run feast was in prospect. The batsmen did not disappoint as a total of 524 runs were scored in the afternoon. Match sponsors, Iconic Opticians of Tavistock, provided the ball and refreshments, which were certainly needed on such a hot day.
Gunnislake won the toss and elected to bowl, perhaps hoping from some movement from a damp wicket? South Petherwin seemed to relish the gauntlet that had been thrown down and set off like an express train. Captain Mike Clements pulled hard and effectively and at the other end James Cawsey almost kept pace with a wider range of leg-side and off-side shots. The ball found its way into the surrounding hedges with alarming frequency and after ten overs the score had already passed the hundred mark. A long day was in prospect.
Eventually Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah achieved a breakthrough for Gunnislake as Clements edged a skier into the covers, out for 58. Cawsey followed soon afterwards, bowled by Mark Everett, but also with a half century to his name. After this Gunnislake began to get something of a grip on things, but the score was still rattling along at between five and six an over, with Ollie Peterson (21) and Adrian Martin (42) keeping the pressure on for South Petherwin. But Gunnislake kept plugging away and wickets eventually began to fall. Mike Townsend, enjoying a break from South Petherwin’s first team, also waded in with gusto, only perishing for 42 in the last push for runs. By the end South Petherwin had amassed 278 for the loss of nine wickets, while Josh Crow took three of the wickets to fall.
The Gunnislake reply started steadily, if a little unspectacular. Adam Emmerson re-found his best form and was soon also peppering the boundary. He found good support from Dinesh Thirupuvanarajah (20), Josh Crow (28)and Phil Skerritt (30) as Gunnislake tried to make a game of it. After 20 overs the score was a respectable 122 for 5, but nowhere near enough. At this point Emmerson seemed to find another gear and 90 runs came off the next ten overs. Could South Petherwin’s fortress even be at risk? Alas not, the opening bowlers returned, the required run rate steadily increased and order was once again restored. With only boundaries good enough Emmerson began to play and miss as he fought to win the game. But he missed a straight from Gareth Clements, to be bowled for an outstanding 131. Last out, his valiant effort was in vain, as Gunnislake were all out for 246 in the 38th over, 32 runs short.
And so an entertaining game was over, quite a few spare balls were needed as the ball went far and wide on a day dominated by the batsmen. With numerous pauses to search for the ball, the shadows around the ground were long by the end of the match. South Petherwin, with maximum points, were probably grateful to have lost the toss and Gunnislake had the slight compensation of taking nine points from the game.
South Petherwin II 278-9 (M Clements 58, J Cawsey 50, A Martin 42, M Townsend 40; J Crow 3-58), Gunnislake 246 (A Emmerson131, P Skerritt 30, J Crow 28; G Clements 4-42). South Petherwin II (20 points) beat Gunnislake (9 points) by 32 runs.
