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Charlton Down versus Martinstown

Sunday 9th September 2007

So the penultimate game of the season and a warm and more importantly dry day meant that a forty over game without weather interruptions was able to be played.

Charlton Down won the toss and elected to bat on what was (since it has been re-laid) a belter of a batting track. But at six for two… maybe not and it fell to Andy Cossens and Chris Coates-Dale to rebuild the innings after the shaky start. The pair put on their second hundred partnership of the season adding 101 before Cossens departed for a fine 60. Coates-Dale nearing his 50 struggled for a few overs but was ably assisted by Jim Mitchell and the pair continued to add 5 to 6 runs an over in the middle of the innings. Once Coates-Dale reached his 50 he opened his shoulders and with the wind in his sails hit a rush of boundaries as he raced towards a century. However, he eventually tried one expansive shot too many and succumbed to a sharply taken catch at cover for 87, with 5 overs of the innings left. With Andy Fowler and Gavin Lamb adding a few vital runs towards at the end of the innings, Charlton Down scored a defendable 220 off their 40 overs.

Martinstown started their innings strongly as two of their youngsters, Nichols (48) and Lewis (29) put on a fine 85 for the first wicket. However the combination of getting the 1st wicket and a great 8 over spell by Mitchell, Charlton Down’s confidence grew and the next 3 wickets fell for only 7 runs, Martinstown being pegged back to 104 for 4. Ross and Walbrin steadied the ship in the middle of the innings but some, ermmm… bowling from Rickard and Wormgoor meant Martinstown lost their way. The wily old Cossens chipped in with 3 wickets at the end as Martinstown fell short and were bowled out for 192 in the 37th over.

A great Sunday game of cricket with Charlton down turning round a game that could have been lost, especially if it had not been for sharp and skilful (ha!!) diving around of the likes of Si Dunford and also the not so often seen outfield talents of Eric Bradshaw.

Great game and I hope enjoyed by all!! The youngsters of Martinstown were a real handful and I’ll not look forward to facing them a few years down the line when they have a bit more experience to go with their already present talent! Thank you all for an enjoyable game of cricket.

Chris Coates-Dale