James Trower hits Century as Stoke win big over Sheen Park

Saturday 13th September 2014
Stoke D’Abernon 288 for 6 (40 overs)
Sheen Park 164 for 8 (40 overs)
Stoke D’Abernon won by 124 runs

A first century for James Trower was the highlight of a big win for Stoke as they kicked off their post-League friendly programme with a win over Sheen Park.

Jase Earl continued to bank captaincy experience and won a handy toss to give Stoke first use of a pitch produced by John Vaughan-Davies in the absence of Ian Hopton.

Jack Raimondo and Peter Phipps took strike, the former facing all bar two balls of the first four overs and making full use of them, scoring 26 of the first 29 runs; and he had made 48 of the first 62 by the end of the ninth over that saw Phipps depart for 9 shortly after crashing one of the shots of the innings through the covers.

Raimondo and Trower took just nine overs to double total; Raimondo passing fifty after just 37 balls, and reaching a season’s best 78 from 56 with fourteen fours and his seventh career six.

As Trower continued to compile his score, runs came at the other end courtesy of Stephen Anderson, (16 from 11), who hit a fierce six in to the nets over square leg; and Earl who reached 17 with little alarm before he was run out backing up by bowler Jajja. 213 for 4 with ten overs left. Platform set.

Giacomo Gray perished in the pursuit of quick runs to a good catch in the deep – Sheen Park’s catching and ground fielding was generally good despite a lot of leather chasing – and Shane Thomson was adjudged leg before. 238 for 6.

Late call-up Jeremy Connell got some useful time in the middle, and added another fifty runs with Trower in the last six overs. Time was not Trower’s friend as he neared his century, (77 not out with four overs to go), but the pair ran well to maximise strike opportunities, and a single with three balls of the innings to go was enough to complete a maiden century in front of proud parents. Trower faced 105 balls for his runs and hit thirteen fours.

The innings closed on 288 for 6, Mahmood, (2 for 46), and Nazir, (2 for 60), the most successful of the five bowlers used.

All the players made a tremendous contribution to the tea as Jo took a well-earned rest after her phenomenal efforts this year; and the Stoke players took to the field hungry for wickets.

Richie Parrett and Thomson formed an effective new ball partnership, the former taking the first two wickets to fall when Butt hit to Ralph Coleman at mid-on and Thomson made good ground at mid-off under the high ball to account for Mahmood. Parrett checked out with season’s best figures of 6-2-15-2.

Change bowlers Keegan Weideman and Gray continued to make runs hard to come by. Weideman was in good rhythm and was unlucky not to take a wicket. Gray bowled a consistent line & length and got his reward when Smith was bowled for 22, then two balls later Perkins gave Coleman more catching practice. 36 for 4. Gray 4-2-4-2.

With Stoke in control opportunities were given to other bowlers. Connell took the next two wickets to fall when Wilson slashed to Phipps at slip and Jajja, having hit the next ball for four, was well caught by Weideman off the next.

Anderson and Phipps shared six overs of contrasting slow bowling before Coleman got a wicket he just about deserved when Cunningham cut to Raimondo at point; Raimondo then took what would be the last wicket when he took a return catch to account for Gondal.

Watching all the wickets at the other end was No.4 Nazir who demonstrated to his team what could be achieved if you batted time. He walked off unbeaten on 84 with seven fours and a six, the innings closing on 164 for 8.

An enjoyable match played in a good spirit; the visitors made a healthy contribution to the bar before departing, and we hope to see them again next year.

Scorecard Link : http://sdacc.play-cricket.com/view_results_details?id=12069083

JT and Prawn