The 1st XI travelled to Farnham Common to begin life in Division 3B, and endured an ultimately frustrating afternoon in near arctic weather. After posting a huge total of 271-6, the Narks had Common in real difficulties at 55-6, but were not quite able to press home their advantage.
Common skipper, ex-Narkovian Scot Wilcox, opted to field first on winning the toss, despite a wicket appearing to favour batting. Openers Dave Rogers and Paul Cooper were watchful against the new ball, but Coops went early, possibly unlucky to be given out caught behind. Mark Tennant joined Rogers and the scoring rate began to increase with both batsmen punishing the bad ball. A fast outfield ensured full value to the batsmen, and the score reached 79 after 20 overs. With Jerry going well, disaster struck when after despatching a short ball through the covers, he pulled up with a hamstring strain and was forced to leave the field.
This was also bad news for Common, as it brought Bronwell Williams to the crease. Bronwell was immediately into his stride with some superb strokes, particularly off his legs, while Dave continued to go well at the other end. It would be fair to say the batsmen have contrasting styles, but each, in their own way, was scoring freely. It came as something of a surprise when the excellent Fearon returned to bowl Dave on 79. Ian Cuthbert continued his good form of last week, off the mark with an on-drive for four, and helping Bronwell add 54 for the 4th wicket. Ian’s departure was soon followed by Richie and Ben Barker as Common fought hard to get back into the match. At 228-7, they could see a glimmer of light.
However, a brief cameo from Andy Tennant, including a very cheeky late cut, and dominant, clever batting from Bronwell, helped add 43 in the last few overs to take the Wooburn total to an imposing 271-6 off their 52 overs. Bronwell finished unbeaten on 92, another super innings.
Temperatures appeared to plummet further during the break as a fierce Siberian wind whipped across the field. Wooburn emerged, bristling with intent, led by the inspirational skipper Dave Small. Smally, shorn of his main strike bowler, rose thrillingly to the challenge, producing a fine spell of fast medium bowling. Cunningly retaining the old ball, he opened with James Dolan, and it was James who made the breakthrough, having Bassi caught behind.
Now Smally took centre stage. First Shakil spooned a lifting ball straight up for a simple caught and bowled, then Adams was bowled playing across an outswinger, apparently, to leave the home side 15-3. Javed and Ahmed added 39 for the 4th wicket, without really looking comfortable. Javed’s struggles were ended when Smally produced a lifter just outside off stump, which the batsman edged low to second slip where Bronwell held an excellent catch just above the turf. This was proper cricket, and no mistake. Javed’s departure was quickly followed by two more wickets, with White falling lbw to a full delivery from Bronwell, and Smally then picking up the erratic Ahmed to another catch behind the stumps.
At 55-6, Wooburn looked well placed for victory and, briefly, all too briefly, the sun made an appearance, but without really threatening the wind chill factor. Smally continued gamely, but Dobbs and Fearon now batted with determination. Richie Barker replaced Smally after a marathon 17-over spell. He did manage to remove Dobbs for 31, but Fearon remained resolute. Wooburn continued to press, ringing the changes, but were unable to break the batsman’s concentration and Fearon reached a deserved fifty, in partnership with Wilcox, surviving relatively few alarms as Common held out for a draw.
A disappointed Wooburn can reflect on a solid, dominant performance, and a good start to life in Division 3B. A fit Jerry may just have made the difference, and we hope he will be back in action soon. The freezing temperatures cannot be underestimated, but ultimately the match will be remembered for two excellent innings, by Dave Rogers (79) and Bronwell (92*), for Smally’s 4-39 from seventeen overs and Bronwell’s catch.
