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VI and Disabled CC match reports
Somerset VICC v Yorkshire
Somerset VICC began their home campaign with a double header against Yorkshire at the idyllic Bishops Lydeard Wombats ground. The league game would be played on the Sunday and the Knockout Cup on the Saturday. The sun was shining and all looked set for an excellent weekend of cricket. The heat would get to a few players along with the high pollen count, so extra drinks were taken and shade sought; but it seems ungrateful to complain about the good weather when we saw so little of it at the end of last season!
The omens were worrying for the visitors from the get-go as they hit traffic jams, were stuck behind tractors and oncoming traffic in narrow country lanes (welcome to the Westcountry!) so arrived late and then lost a player to injury early on.
The knockout cup is 30 overs a side and the home side chose to put a target on the board and pile pressure on the northern side. Yorkshire soon forgot their travel fatigue as they claimed an early wicket to rattle Somerset as they lost their batting hero from the previous game, Rob Crisp going for 4 with just 8 on the board. Adrian Snelgrove strode in with his runner and rattled off a nifty 10 before being the second player caught out.
Skipper Ed Hossell came to the rescue and peppered the boundary to calm the Somerset nerves; three fours and a six in his rapid fire 29 before yet another catch was taken. A bit of variety for the spectators as the next wicket to fall was bowled, Mikey Contreras for 2 as the guests found movement and a little breeze come to their aid. Next to fall was opener Matt Davidson after amassing an excellent 36, finding runs all around the ground and running well with Crisp and Hossell.
Time for the middle order to put a stamp on the game; knowing what will be a competitive score can be a lottery but plenty of overs left to find it. A couple of very useful partnerships developed as Steve Cook blasted 8 before being bowled, Kathryn Jelfs-White nurdled 28 before a juggling mid on catch. Alan Mabey smashed 26 before just missing contact with one last heave and being bowled. One for Sharnie Mabey as she and Adam White both finished not out as the 30 overs came to an end. Dave Ridgway the only man not to bat although he looked raring to go if needed!
180/8 said the scoreboard, but wait! Yorkshire were to be penalised for an exceptionally slow over rate as they well exceed the permitted two-and-a-half hours. Their innings was reduced to 26 overs and an additional 40 runs added to Somerset’s already decent looking score.
Buoyed by a good performance already and with the knowledge of a little extra leeway, Somerset took to the field confidently. A good start ensued as the first wicket fell with only 9 on the board, Hossell beginning his excellent afternoon with the ball culminating in 4 for 6 with one maiden and no extras. Another quick wicket fell as Contreras got in on the action, the first of his two vital scalps.
Yorkshire’s remaining opener and her middle order began to settle and singles and twos began to appear around the gloriously kept outfield. Somerset never give up and work hard for each other and were happy to see only three breaches of the boundary in the innings. With 50 on the board the home side started to pick off the wickets rapidly; they fell to four catches, three bowled, an LBW and an excellent run out effected by substitute Dan Russell in only his second capped game and Crisp who was never far from any of the action. The visitors had collapsed for 61/9 (all out) from just under 19 overs as the sun was slipping low in the sky. An impressive start to the weekend; would it be a delightful double?
Written by Katherine Jelfs-White and Rob Crisp
Somerset Disabled CC
Somerset Dragons v Gloucestershire
Somerset Disabled CC Dragons team kicked of their Ashes series against Gloucestershire on Sunday at Ilton Cricket Club.
Sporting a new kit that was funded through sponsors Eurilait, the team were pumped ready to play hard.
Gloucestershire won the toss and elected to bat. A good start to the Somerset’s bowling saw them take 4 wickets, this was down to some good bowling from Fin Mckay and Jamie Cox and some great fielding by Day with a great pick up and throw to secure an outstanding run out. The final two pairs for Gloucestershire score fast and heavy and presented a total of 280 for Somerset to chase.
Somerset opened the batting with Jamie Cox and Finn Mckay who scored well and steady, but two great catches meant Somerset had lost early runs. Gloucestershire continued to bowl and field well, finally taking 10 wickets in the match. Standout batters for Somerset were Charlie Bloxham who scored 15 off 18 balls including 2 fours and Josh Cavill with 5 off 6 balls.
Somerset eventually finished on 243, meaning Gloucestershire won by 37 runs and move 1-0 up in the series. Attention now turns to the next fixture in Gloucestershire on the 30th June.
Somerset Cricket Foundation would like to thank Ilton CC who are the hosting Club for all disability cricket club fixtures for the 2024 season.
Somerset Disabled S9 v Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation S9
On a slightly cloudy, but very warm day Somerset Disabled S9 side were at home to Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation S9 side.
With a bit of cloud cover and Somerset winning the toss the captain decided to have a bowl.
Colin Hancock and Charlie May opened the bowling and it didn’t take long for Charlie to make the break through. A stunning one handed catch by Toby Jones off of Charlie May bowling sent Lewis Clapp back with only 9 balls of the game down.
Dave Smart and Paul Sealy now attempting to refocus and settle but it was Colin striking in the 4thover to remove Dave Smart with George Fox-Reid taking a nice catch behind the stumps and the score at 17-2.
2 highlights of wickets falling came as a great throw from Cameron Harris removed Henry Polley, he then bowled Zak Gardner within his first over.
The score at 94-6 the experience of Paul Sealy and Andy Loud showed through. Paul retiring on 50 and Andy Loud on 53 the overs were seen out by Shravani Philpot and Dave Woolway. Gloucestershire finishing on 177.
Somerset now on the chase, but it only took 4 balls for Charlie May to be caught behind off Paul Sealy bowling. Wilf Stirzaker was next to fall in the 8th over by Zak Gardner and Kris Martin was then dismissed in the finishing on 19. Some big shots from the incoming Cameron Harris and with captain George Fox-Reid attempting to settle and move the score on, a small collapse in the batting occured as the score reached 82-8.
With Toby Jones and Paul Lewis now out in the middle and only 19 overs gone, this pairing worked hard together to keep the board ticking over, with strong running from Toby and Charlie (who was running for Paul). Bowling from Gloucestershire put both batters under pressure and it took until the 32nd over before Paul (finishing on 6), was bowled. The next ball finishing the game with Colin Hancock gone first ball. Toby Jones finishing on a strong 15 not out and Somerset finishing on 131 all out.
A well played, good spirited game. Played in hot conditions was a great contest all round and a big one for a new look Somerset S9 team taking on previous S9 champions.
