It was an early and disappointing start to the day, with The Lions losing their first Test 30-15. Hopefully the cricket would bring more joy to the table.
TCC 2s were playing Acton away and on arrival to the ground it would appear obvious that their groundsman was also away. Long grass and lively wicket set the scene for what was going to be a difficult day to bat. Acton won the toss and inserted TCC, not to anyone's surprise. Pryde and Baggs, who on the back of a few runs felt he deserved a swing at the top, opened the batting and put on a quick fire 30, before Baggs played at one which did everything, caught his edge and sent him packing. Pryde and Osmond battled the swinging and bouncing ball with grit. Pryde was next to fall for a well made 25, again by a ball which he did well to get anything on. Rennison came to the crease next to blast a few, however as per previous weeks got another stinker of a decision, caught down the leg side of his shirt. Following the misguided instructions from the captain to take advantage of the short straight boundaries, on the basis that the pitch had played horrifically and it was likely he'd get a good ball eventually, Alex Smith came and went. Rory Osmond fell next to a low catch in the slips, and bringing Johnnie Smith and Stefan Bullon into the frame to steady the ship. Smith batted brilliantly for 58, which was worth 90 on a good wicket, before again edging one to the grips. Welcome the Elliot Hannah and Dan Thorndyke Show! 8x4's and one mixer from the pair helped give TCC's score the much need boost required! The captain pulled the plug after 51 Overs with a score of 208. Actons Josh Burrows bowled very well for his 7fer. 21 overs, 4 maidens, 96 runs and 7 Wickets. Well bowled Sir.
With the total set and 49 overs to bowl, TCC gave the new ball to Matt Swan and Elliot Hannah. Swanny used the ridge and inconsistent pitch to his advantage, getting one to lift of a length from his first ball, giving the keeper Baggs an easy catch. 1-1. The TCC boys then had to wait a while before the next few fell, with Actons's captain Dan Waddell batting very well for his 51. The scoreboard read 89-2. Then it began. The David Keightley and Alex Smith show. Smith catching, DK bowling. 90-3, 90-4, 90-5, 109-6, 114-7, 124-8, 137-9......48 overs gone. 1 over to go, one wicket needed. The result tells the rest of the story, but for those that don't know....David Keightley is a wizard. TCC beat Acton by 57 runs and took home 12pts. Brucey bonus!
TCC 2s are now sitting 3rd in the league, 10 points behind North Middlesex who are at the top. On to week 9 vs Ealing CC.
Author: Chris Bennett-Baggs