Little Bardfield Village CC vs. Haverhill CC 1st XI

Date: 12th August 2023

Venue: The Fortress, Little Bardfield

Toss: Little Bardfield won the toss elected to bat first.

Little Bardfield Innings:

Opening the innings were Matt Graham and Rory Hitchcock, both in stellar form this season. However, their partnership was short-lived as Hitchcock fell victim to an edge to 1st slip, leaving the crowd in stunned silence.

Captain Rich Linney strode out to the crease, determined to steady the ship. But an LBW call plagued him early, falling prey to a contentious decision that raised eyebrows among both players and spectators alike. Linney trudged off the field, shaking his head in disbelief.

Undeterred by the early setbacks, Callum Hymas joined Matt Graham at the crease. The pair attempted to resurrect the innings, but the Haverhill bowlers had other plans. Graham's efforts yielded 21 runs before a well-judged catch by a fielder in the covers sent him back to the pavilion.

Daryl Hymas, the experienced campaigner, entered the fray alongside his son Callum and potentially a promising father-son partnership was on the cards. The cricket gods seemed to have a different script, as the younger Hymas was dismissed by a pinpoint delivery from Callum Lewis.

The parade of LBW decisions continued, with Tom Graham falling victim to yet another dubious call. Ewan Slade, his replacement, was dismissed after solid hands from the Haverhill wicket keeper. With the Oxslips were finding it difficult to stay afloat on this turbulent sea of dismissals, Sam Register attempted to break the jinx. He displayed glimpses of his talent with a brief stay at the crease and adding 5 runs to the tally. However, another LBW was given and Register was left questioning the decision on the long walk back to the changing room.

Amidst the frustrations, a silver lining emerged in the form of Will Slemmings. With a couple of well-timed boundaries, he surpassed 2000 runs for Little Bardfield. This should be heavily caveated with the fact this is only since the stats began being recorded in Play Cricket, he has amassed significantly more runs in his 20+ years' service to the club. Sadly his charge was quelled by a wily delivery from Ben Wilkins, who added to the visitor's wicket haul.

Daryl Hymas continued to wage a lone battle, anchored at one end. His patient vigil was punctuated by occasional boundaries, but his efforts were halted when he attempted a mighty slog, only to find the safe hands of Callum Lewis.

The tailenders battled to post runs, with Karl Manning showcasing his potential by notching not only his first runs for the club but a lovely boundary down the leg side for 4. Manning remained unbeaten but unfortunately with the dismissal of Ben Hounslow LBVCC's innings concluded to leave the side on 105 runs and with an uphill battle with the ball in their hands.

Haverhill Innings:

Haverhill chased the Bardfield total in 13.3 overs, losing 4 wickets. 3 of which were taken by Matt Graham with Callum Hymas taking 1.

A frustrating day at the office for Bardfield who will look to turn their fortunes at Witham next weekend.