Match Report

2nd XI vs Chard, 9th July 2005

Cheddar 2nds 136 lost to Chard 261-0 by 126 runs

Cheddar's title aspirations took a step backwards against bottom of the table Chard.

Without a win all season, Chard could not have fancied their chances against highflying Cheddar. But winning the toss and choosing to bat, they got off to a flying start as openers Bond and Grentworthy exploited some loose Cheddar bowling. Left hander Bond pulled short balls from Humberstone viciously to the midwicket boundary whilst Grentworthy drove crisply through the covers. Chattopadhyay caused the occasional flutter with his additional pace but as the hot weather took its toll Chard began to take control. Humberstone did lull Bond into a loose shot only to see the sharp catch spilled at mid on. That was the only real chance Chard offered as they cruised passed the hundred and then two hundred with calm efficiency. Cheddar's fielders never gave up and superb work by Frost in the covers saved several boundaries. Steve Russett conceding only 41 from his 12 over spell in the sun was the pick of the Cheddar bowlers but he was unable to prevent Bond (115 no) and Grentworthy (114 no) from taking Chard virtually out of sight.

Cheddar's reply had to be positive and openers Sims and Purkiss looked to play shots from the start. But with tight spin bowling from Wyatt, the pressure soon told. Sims was the first to fall, caught behind trying to force the pace. Purkiss (11) and Kent (19) followed soon after to leave Cheddar reeling at 36 for 3 in the 13 th over. Russett and Frost offered short lived resistance and it wasn't until Chattopdhyay and Dave Phillips came together that Cheddar started to take the fight to Chard. Phillips, timing the ball well, showed a welcome return to form first drilling Gray to the extra cover boundary before gloriously lofting him over mid on for 4. Chattopadhyay also played positively in a partnership of 63 before the unlucky Phillips mistimed a drive to be caught at extra cover for 42. Chattopadhyay (18) followed immediately and despite resistance from the tail, Cheddar succumbed to only their second defeat of the season in the 40 th over.

The next two weeks could decide the Championship as third place Cheddar take on the two teams above them. Leaders Minehead, who last week also slipped to only their second defeat of the season visit Sharpham this Saturday following which Cheddar make the trip to second placed Frome.