Banstead (H)

Scorecard

The mighty 3’s rocked up at the evergreen St Albans looking to regain top spot after an important victory last week away at Dulwich. Brickley, in good tossing form, won the toss and wisely stuck Banstead in, knowing our fine pace attack was the key to victory. Briggsy (3-30) and Ollie Hartley (3-16) were given the responsibility of the new pill and didn’t disappoint with Hartley picking up both openers cheaply and Toby bowling very disciplined lines only to have Nick Harmer shell a dolly at 2nd slip. Hartley picked up his 3rd wicket shortly after, caught behind by John Bramhall, to leave Banstead 39 for 3. A small partnership started to develop for Banstead with their number 3 playing a couple of eye catching shots but Michael Ramsden took an excellent catch at short extra cover off the bowling of Harmer (2-12) to dismiss him, and with the llamas smelling blood Banstead knew they were in trouble with limited batting to come and Shayne Cossey (2-19) and Harmer giving nothing away cheaply. Priory remained disciplined in the field, unlike the previous week, and held their catches causing Banstead to lose wickets at regular intervals with them being bowled out for 84 in 34.3 overs.

Despite tea clearly being ready the umpires insisted on a quick turnaround, so Matt Packham and Tom Ovenell went out to opening the batting ‘hungry’. There was no thought of protecting averages in this small chase however, as Ovenell played a couple of exquisite drives for four off their opening quick, the first straight back down the ground, the second piercing the gap at cover to shouts of encouragement and disbelief from the small but appreciative crowd. It wasn’t to last unfortunately as their quick eventually took on board Pack’s advice of F and S and clean bowled Ovenell for one of the best 16’s you’ll ever see at St Albans against Banstead this calendar year. Matt soon followed to a ball keeping low which brought Rob Wood(36) and Alex Robinson (10) together who between them bludgeoned Banstead’s attack to all parts with only a handful of hoicks from respected coach Wiz. Priory chased Banstead’s total in just 13 overs to go top of the division, just two points clear of Wimbledon.
Champagne moment: I don’t know.......... probably Michael, with all the time in the world, missing all 3 stumps trying to run out the oppo’s number 11 who’s beached himself half way down the track.