Oliver digs Llamas out of trouble with match-winning ton

The llamas loss the toss but the skipper was happy to bat. With inclement weather on the horizon it looked like a tough start for the skip but the wicket looked outstanding and the boys knew it would play well. It had a little bit in it which is always good and it had nice pace and bounce. This meant if the Banstead attack missed their areas the llamas could capitalise. Brad Scriven got the worst decision ever seen and that lead to a mini collapse. The Moss (Jake Lehmann) steadied the ship with young gun Angus Dahl but as both in their mid teens got out in succession that left the llamas battling at 6 for 70. The Skipper Richie Oliver and our stalwart gun spinner Luke Beaven decided to become the match winners of the day. 110 runs later and the records for the 7th wicket were tumbling. It made the president, Andy Packers scramble and rearrange the llama history boards mid game. Their sublime timing and an attitude like no other meant the boys put the oppo under immense pressure and they really had no answers to their craftsmanship. The experience and class really shined and got the llamas to 228 at the end of their 50 overs. It was one of the great captain knocks and Richie finished with 109 Not out and Luke with a fantastic 42.

Onto the bowling innings. Recent Dad (Will Hodson) Bowled beautifully as always and made the Banstead batsman have to score off good balls. Will finished with 3 for 44 off 9 overs on his return. The spinners in the middle bowled great as well with the rate starting to climb to 6 an over. Angus Dahl, Mickey Munday and Luke Beaven tied the Banstead boys down resulting in consistent wickets. Big shout out to Reece Topley who bowled an amazing spell at first change and was such a great inclusion into the side. We have no doubt he will be back dominating at county level very soon. Can’t wait to have him in the side again shortly! The llamas ended up bowling out Banstead for 160 so it was a great win. We drive to the Thames River next week and take on East Molesy who are always up and about at home. After turning down a huge offer from the Moles in the off season I certainly have a soft spot for them and hope they have a great year. But as an 8 year veteran llama lets jump on the party bus and get ready for another big contest next week.