Not very Cheery at Bearley

After a morning of heavy rain the Rs were pleasantly surprised to find Bearley’s ground in excellent condition. After last week's performance another good effort was required against one of the division’s top clubs.

Things were looking up when Scott won the toss and bowled and Eike cleaned bowled the Bearley skipper first ball. When Scott picked up two more wickets, one lbw and another a fantastic slip catch from Danny Chinn, Bearley were reeling at 30-3 off 10. Unfortunately, the next wicket fell when they were on 225! With Leyton hitting an excellent 108 and well backed up by Leech with 78 and both hitting the ball a long way on a massive ground the Rs dropped too many half and full chances which resulted in Bearley reaching 263-5. Bowling highlights were 4 wickets for Scott and Leon a tidy 6 overs for 24. Billy and a returning Frank Sly provided a good double act until the Bearley batsmen let loose and lightning does strike twice as, after the late onslaught from Henley in the last 10 overs last week, Bearley also scored 110 off the last 60 balls.

With a large outfield the total was manageable but Layton and Castle provided a hostile opening pair and after spending a lot of time ducking, the openers of Rogers and Haywood departed with only 21 on the board. Set out below are the highlights of the Rs batting……….

Bearley bowling, Leyton 9-2-19-3, Castle 6-1-12-2, Ramsdon 8-6-7-2 and L. Ross 10-6-5-3.

All out for 46 with only 38 off the bat is beyond descriptions which can be printed and phrases such as pulling socks up, stand up and be counted and responsibility spring to mind for the remaining weeks unless the Rs have a desire for 2nd Division cricket next year.

Clive Haywood