Cricket Report - PNBHS 1st XI VS United CC - 17/11/18
After winning the toss, captain Bryn Wilson decided that PNBHS would bat first on Fitzherbert Park’s number 1 pitch. The opening batsmen were immediately put under pressure with some tight bowling and it wasn’t long before 1, 2, and then 3 wickets were lost with the score on 28 in the 10th over. There followed a period of reconstruction as the 1st XI fought back, were more judicious with their shot selection and started scoring more freely. This effort allowed the team to finish their 50 overs on a creditable 184 for 9. Rishabh De returned to some form with 23, Ruben love made 24 and Mr Davidson continued his rich vein with 53.
Defending a lowish total on a good wicket was always going to be a challenge but grabbing a wicket in the first over put a spring in the step of the players. Unfortunately, the frustration set in as some catches went down and the bowlers contributed to their own pain by dishing up some easy scoring opportunities to the opposing batsmen. It wasn’t until the 19th over that the next wicket fell but this re-energised the 1st XI and they fought manfully to stay in the game. Eventually, United scored the victory with 7 wickets down in the 47th over. Mr Davidson took 2 for 28 and Bryn Wilson 3 for 33.
The unfortunate trend of losing a raft of early wickets makes it very difficult for to set a really competitive score, but the team’s spirit in making the opposition work hard for the victory was laudable.