Match Report
On a glorious sunny Sunday afternoon Avoncroft Sunday XI welcomed Coombs Wood to their ground for what was their first league fixture of the season. After Studley had conceded the league fixture on the previous Sunday, Croft were looking to hit the ground running.
On a superb wicket Croft lost the toss and were asked to bat first. This seasons new look opening partnership of Jonty Heslop and Dan Elliott started brightly with some fine attacking shots and quickly put on 63 for the first wicket before Jonty was out LBW for 36. Will Sach came to the crease and looked composed before falling for 26. This brought Alex Brunt to the crease and cued a period of hard hitting and fast scoring between the pair as Croft rattled along at a good rate. Alex was finally out for 73 and ended a 109 run partnership between the pair. Dan Elliott made it through to his second Sunday hundred and Croft finished their innings on 303 for 4, Dan Elliott batting through to finish unbeaten on 137.
In reply Coombs Wood came out of the blocks and scored in excess of ten an over for the first 15 overs. Crofts opening bowlers had no answer to a flurry of boundaries and with their opener closing in on a hundred before drinks, Croft employed some drastic tactics to make the breakthrough. Jon Brunt, drafted in late when Croft were left with ten men suggested a 7-2 leg side field and this paid off. Will Sach making the breakthrough and fittingly Jon Brunt taking the catch that changed the momentum of the match.
Croft were then able to take wickets at regular intervals, Ed Pugh and Dan Elliott taking three each with Will Sach taking two and showing good rhythm and pace with the ball. Josh Cound and Ollie Brookes took the remaining two wickets, Ollie’s first for the club, and Croft were able to bowl out Coombs Wood for 232.
Croft were made to work hard for their victory and all involved showed a good level of fight and discipline to secure the win. Croft now sit top of the league table after two matches and look forward to next weeks fixture at Astwood Bank.
Match Report by Christopher Pitt, 16/5/17
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