2s start with draw

The 2nd XI held on for a draw on Saturday and the scorecard shows that Chenies came 2nd, but there were some positives to take from the performance that bode well for the future.

Taking to the field first, opening bowlers Roger Vessey and debutant Steve Hallam kept tight lines and restricted the Boyne hill openers. But there was no breakthrough and as the batters settled in they were able to become more expansive. This proved to be the mode for the remainder of the innings but Chenies began to take regular wickets. Zia Ul Hassan bowled very well to take 6-96 and at the other end Dave Brown kept things tight to finish on 2-49.

The Chenies innings never really got going, as early and regular wickets pegged back the chase. With 6 wickets down Roger Vessey and Steve Hallam came together and they provided some impetus. Roger fell in the 27th over which brought 13 yr old Mattie Brown to the crease. While Steve continued to find the boundary, Mattie dug in. Steve eventually went for 41 and Dave Brown added only 5 in a brief partnership with his son (first time they have batted together). Zia joined Mattie and together they saw out the innings to hang on for the draw, Mattie finishing on 9 not out, but having batted for 22 overs must be lauded for his skill, determination and concentration.