Cardiff Cavaliers Cricket Club

Match Report

Bristol YMCA, Saturday 24 April 2010

YMCA 189/4 (40ovs, Marchant 3/24). Cav 192/0 (37ovs, Steadman 126no, D Parsons 60no). Won by 10 wickets

Scorecard

Saturday 24^th April 2010 brought the Cav’s across the border and into Bristolia (where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed) for a game against Bristol YMCA on what was yet another uncharacteristically beautiful day. After a debate as to whether or not the SatNav in Gravey’s car was leading us on a wild goose chase, we found the ground to be situated at the corner of Wimbledon Road and Twickenham Road. With both iconic venues serving up some memorable sporting events throughout history, Archard was confident that we could do them justice (!!)

Having won the toss, we took to the field with McVeigh and Elliot spearheading the attack. The track and conditions looked perfect for batting on and although struggling with the effects of food poisoning, Mike showed true grit and determination all day , keeping if fairly tight during his first 6 overs. Gazza kept up the pressure from the other end with his 4 over spell going for just 21.  Both of Bristol’s openers plugged away and were content to push the ball around on what was a big, quick outfield and wait for the (odd) wayward delivery.

A change in attack saw Gravey bowl with great intent, beating the bat on countless occasions, and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket during his 6 over spell, conceding just 31. Similarly, at the other end, Glen wheeled away with great ‘line and length’ bowling and 6 overs also went unrewarded as he went for 30. Bristol’s score was approaching 100 without loss at this stage and something was required to give the game a bit of an edge. Enter the Skipper.

Jimmy quickly accounted for the wickets of openers Collard and Davies, both bowled for 58 and 44 respectively. He also had their No.3 trapped leg before for 17. Brownie took up the mantle from the other end and with a selection of his trademark grenades, tempted the batsmen into shots that weren’t quite there. He would have picked up a couple of wickets as well had it not been for a mare in the field by yours truly – a point reminded to your reporter when, picking up my only wicket of the day by bowling their No.6, Brownie commented “See, it’s best not to use the field bowling spin”!! It won’t happen again Bish.

Now to look at Jim and the extra padding around he has amassed around the stomach region, you would be forgiven for thinking he is, at times, a tad on the greedy side. You would not however, imagine that this would spill over (pardon the pun) onto the cricket pitch. Clearly in the groove and content to hold up one end, bowling good tight off spin, our captain put in a 9 over spell!! In fairness, conceding only 24 runs and taking 3 wickets, he was the pick of the bowling so we can forgive him this indiscretion.

Overall, the fielding performance was a commited one - as always - from the Cav's, with lots of balls needing chased down throughtout the innings. Debutant Bill Ward made a good start to his career, putting the effort in all day while McVeigh and JT were both working hard despite not being 100%. Chappers and Paul Carpenter must have angered the cricketing gods as the ball seemed to be following them wherever the were on the park.

Alas, at the end of 40 overs, Bristol had reached 189 for the loss of just 4 wickets and with no change in the beautiful conditions; we headed up for tea feeling confident about our chase.

Messrs Steadman and Parsons opening the Cavaliers innings and in fairness neither looked like getting out and seemed to enjoy batting on what was probably one of the better tracks we will play on this year. 'Mini Cheddars' got into his stride from the word go and the elegant batsman scored runs all around the wicket, not giving the fielding side a sniff in the field. His 50 came up off only 54 balls, the majority of which made up by boundaries.

Not to be outdone, Dave 'Atherton' Parsons was doing exactly what was required at the other end - playing a solid supporting role; again, never troubled by the opposition bowling attack, he kept the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike, often playing what seems to be his trademark late cut down to third man, while punishing anything loose.

Relentless strokeplay continued all through the innings from Steaders and everyone watching hoped (knew) that he would reach three figures and with a beautiful straight 6 followed by a 4, he duly did - met with rapturous applause from the crowd.

Dave brought up his 50 shortly after and apart from the best efforts of a rather mature but equally gifted 'keeper, the Pirates knew the game was up. We reached the total of 192 in the 37th over; Dave finishing on 60 with man of the match Steadman a magnificent 126 not out. A 10 wicket win was completed in style and a jubilent bunch of Cavaliers retreated to the clubhouse to enjoy a cold pint on the terrace, the setting sun bringing an end to what was a glorious day in all aspects for the men from Cardiff.

Champagne Moment: The innings of Steaders, from start to finish was an exhibition in batting and gives all of us something to aspire to do this year. A fine hundred

Team: Jimmy Marchant (capt), Jonathan Thomas (wkt), Andrew Steadman, Michael McVeigh, Paul Carpenter, Bill Ward*, Graeme Brown, Dave Parsons, Andrew Graveson, Gary Elliott * denotes debutant