Astracasting Sponsors of BPCC v Army 2010

Another hot morning greeted the players at Fleet Road following a hearty breakfast at Tesco. Rob McCutcheon had joined us from Astracasting as he had agreed to Sponsor the fixture.

Once again the “Skip” called correctly and had no hesitation to bat first on what again appeared to be a firm but very dry wicket, which would no doubt turn more and more as the day progressed. As it happened BP batting once again failed to make much progression. The opening Army bowlers Wade and Burwell bowled with excellent control and aggression giving very little opportunity for Fraser-Darling and Chandler (who had joined the Squad for the day) to get any momentum. Indeed the ball started popping off a length and your reporter even took a nasty blow to his right thumb (unheard of in years) as one reared off a good length. Progress was indeed slow but Chandler had grated well for his 37 when he was 2 out with the score on 71 in 22 over. Wade and Burwell were replaced following a joint opening spell of 20-3-50-1.

The Army slow/spinners then took over and immediately struck as Williams tried to heave one to leg, Shaw was “sawn off” leg before, Thursfield was bowled by Barton and BP were suddenly 79-5 in 26 over.

Simon Young joined the Captain and put on 54 in 12 overs before Young was somewhat baffled to be given out stumped for 33 (6x4) when it appeared he was back in his crease . Luke Gamman and Davies took the score to 168-8 (Gamman 16) but wickets continued to fall. A late flurry by Davies who finished on 50* (3x4, 4x6) saw BP finish on 192-8 which appeared to be somewhat short however with a wicket that was popping and turning could prove to be a challenge to the Army. Pick of the bowling was Dixon 10-2-37-3 and Barton 10-1-30-2.

Lewis and Dixon opened the Army innings and after 10 overs were 60-0 with boundaries coming at a steady rate. Davies shuffled his bowlers about to get the break through and he himself finally had Lewis run past one and was stumped by Young for 57with the score on 127 in 22 over. Dowling returned and trapped Heyns leg before but Barton joined the calm Dixon who has been batting with great authority and the 2 saw the game home 196-2 (Dixon 85*).

Dixon was rightly named Man of the Match by the umpires and was presented a Tankard and Champagne by Rob McCutcheon from Astracasting.

My thanks to him for his support of Police Cricket and we look forward to seeing him again in July where he has agreed to sponsor the BPCC v Fire Service.

Hope you enjoyed your 1 taste of cricket Rob.

David Fraser-Darling - 02/07/2010