I would like to start off this match report by thanking the 11 players who ended up enjoying this victory, the 1st in div 4 for charlton down in 16 attempts, for turning out today and playing your hearts out for the village today. I don't think it is a hidden truth that Sid really struggled to get 11 people together on the pitch this week. so a massive thanks to Chas, German, Silky(6 overs through the 2nd innings) and Shauna (Drafted in at 12.50 after the meet at the gym time of 12.45) all of whom stepped in at late notice to enable this momentous occasion. And so to the match.
    The Charlton down XI (well 10 at the time unsure of Silkys participation) arrived at the pitch in Broadstone in High spirits. For once it was Sunday and the rain hadn't put paid to any cricket.  The days play started well when Sid won his 1st toss of the year and elected to bat. With Phil arriving late form his gigolo service the night before Doylie shared opening duties with The ginger prince and the game was under way. Lytchett Minsters opening bowlers kept things very tight and the 1st 10 overs yielded just 17 runs and this tight bowling led to a frustrated  demise of Nick checking a drive to Mid Off. Jp arrived and so did the runs. Doylie started to flow and Jp matched him at the other end. The score started to push an and at drinks at 22 overs we ahead moved up to 88. Even at this stage few were to believe the final total. Jp fell for a cultured and stylish 38 which meant the Stud Muffin Holdcroft came in and out thanks to a golden Duck. Sid took over Doylie sitting with the 2 keeping earlier momentum going before Sid fell for 22. Enter the Chasinator. 42 from about 20 balls including 2 huge sixes and the game was racing away from the hosts at a pace. Mark h injected some hustle in a quick fire innings and even zee German faced 6 balls scoring off every ball. During all this Charlton Down history was made. Ian Doyle became the first man to put his name on the honours board twice. His innings of 113* was a pleasure to watch. Intelligent, cultured with shots all around the wicket allowed the rest of the team to be relaxed in the knowledge they had a super strong partner at the other end. 265 for 6 left the hosts staring down the barrel.
             With Lytchett needing 6 an over from the start JP and Chas couldn't have started better. Tight bowling and good fielding meant the hosts were 2 down within the first 12 overs for about 30 runs. Mark bowled tightly giving blood for the cause and picking up a pair of wickets to boot. With the run rate rising spells from Tight trousers Holdcroft and late arrival Smoother kept the game moving away from the hosts. Wickets had been falling throughout and once Silk picked up the number 8 batsman all resistance was gone. Duerdoth (12-2-34-4) and JP (12-3-43-2) came back on and all but finished off the home side. In the End Sid decided that he should be the one to take the last and when the no . 3 batsman on 70 skied one he cleared all around him only to drop an absolute dolly and miss out on his chance. Most of the side were rolling around on the floor at the ineptitude of the effort which was poor to say the least. He did however make up for this in the next over with a stunning one handed catch low down to his left to dismiss the same batsman and end the innings for 186.

            The bowling had been excellent but throughout the team everyone chipped in. Holdcroft and Oehler took very different but excellent catches. Bradshaw and Shauna Cossens dived all over the field both making excellent stops and building pressure. Nick was excellent behind the stumps. It was a superb all round performance at I couldn't be happier with everyone's effort and team spirit. But the day went to Doylie for a much deserved ton. Sid now hands over the reigns for a week to Doylie to carry on the good work.

 

Junior Cricket correspondent - Sid