Coaver Gerries Cricket Club

Gerries versus Chulmleigh at Chulmleigh Cricket Club on 12 May 2024

Gerries 207 – 4 (35) Chulmleigh 208 – 1 (32.4). Chulmleigh won by 9 wickets.

The Met Office predications of thunderstorms gave cause for concern over the game reaching an outcome, but the toss (not sure if the skipper had a say in this) dictated we were having a bat.

Set in the glorious rolling Devon countryside, at a very picturesque, if sheep heavy, cricket ground, batting first may have been a blessing in disguise, as the sun dusted off his hat, popped it on, and increased the temperature significantly for the first 35 overs.

In what could be described as a slow-ish start, with the opening pair of Guest and Jones cultivating a single fest of 50 off the first 14 overs. Running 2s became less favourable from one of the Gerries pair, with shouts of ‘No… I’m tired’ perhaps a contributing factor to the slightly lower run rate.

Guest reached a score of 59, before being caught, ending a hard fought first wicket partnership of 97. This brought out Krish, who instead of inflicting more single running suffering to Jones, started with two boundaries, reaching 18 before being bowled. Jones with his stoic approach to run making, passed his half century and was finally trapped in front for 63, given out by Guest who was umpiring (I’ll leave the reading between the lines to you). This opened the door for Skinner, who batted out of his, well… skin, hitting three excellent boundaries. The only thunder of the day came from AB’s bat, hitting 4s and a big 6 to take him to 16 off not many deliveries. Skinner was eventually brilliantly caught at cover in the last over, in what was a contender for the opposition champagne moment. This gave the waiting JP one ball to make an impact, he tried… he didn’t. Gerries ended on a very defendable 207/4.

Chulmleigh went the extra mile and put on a lovely spread at tea, which all were very grateful for and, like the heat, was unexpected. However, the post egg sandwich cloud cover came over, jumpers were pulled on and the Gerries went out to field in overcast and somewhat gloomy conditions. But the mood was anything but gloomy.

A tight start from the bowling saw Chulmleigh accumulate a similar sub 50 score for the first 14 overs. Game on.

Then the Chulmleigh opener appeared to set out on endangering as many sheep in the surrounding fields as possible, hitting out on everything the Gerries threw at him. A very impressive display. Not a single catching chance fell near a fielder, and the sheep weren’t interested, so he went on to make 90 and bat the entire innings. Not even the ever darkening conditions could help. Captain Smudge gave the Gerries some hope, getting an LBW decision on the other opener (47), but that was to be the only wicket Gerries could take. A six in the 32nd over secured Chulmleigh’s victory taking them to 208/1.

A lovely ground, and always a great opposition (not forgetting the tea) led to a really enjoyable game, that the Gerries look back on as one that got away. Some great performances, but just not ‘on the money’.

We go again next week.

(Just to note, off the back of a worrying piece of signage at the ground, I’m pleased to report that no dogs were shot in the making of this match).

Bowling figures
Sewell 7-2-16-0
Clewlow 7-1-30-0
Krish 6-0-58-0
Smith 3-0-28-1
Giles 7-1-48-0
Chugg 3.4-0-38-0

JP 120524

Highlight reel