HILTON CRICKET CLUB May 2007 report

Our young stars moved straight into action for our first Hunts League match against Alconbury II.  Hilton batted first and Tommo top-scored with a creditable 20.  Graeme contributed 12, Frazer added 9 and newcomer, Louis Baker looked solid in scoring 15 not out, before running out of partners.  Our total of 128 was insufficient though, and Alconbury knocked off the runs for the loss of only two wickets, both falling to Adi, whose lbw appeals were reportedly audible in Northamptonshire.  Though our defeat was emphatic, we suspected our opposition of a particularly low form of subterfuge – by engaging in pre-season practice.  This notion of “getting fit” before the tournament starts is destroying the centuries-old tradition of regarding the cricket season as gentle means of graduating from a state of torpor in April to a peak capacity, by late September, to chase a ball for ten yards without inducing a life-threatening state of breathlessness. 

Our second opponents, Waresley III, had clearly avoided taking unnecessary early season exercise, since the cobwebs were still visible when they went out to bat.  To be fair, their team contained some promising young talent, but it was a day when the more senior members of both sides were dominant.  Adi (3 for 21), David (2 for 27) and Fred (2 for 26) took control of Waresley’s innings, while our three young bowlers, Frazer, Tommo and Liam, shared the remaining three wickets.  Our run chase of 139 got off to a great start, with our openers, Mark and David, clearing away 62 for the first wicket.  Arnie finished the job with a cracking 42 not out, seeing Hilton home by seven wickets.

Fortunately for our next opponents, Warboys II, a few drops of rain were forecast for the following Sunday and the match was cancelled.

Scoreboard summary

April 29   Hunts League Div 5  vs Alconbury II (Away)
  Hilton: 128 all out (T Leader 20, T Frost 19, L Baker 15 n.o.)
  Alconbury II: 129 for 2 (A Darlow 2-49)
Result:  Alconbury II won by 8 wickets

May 6  Hunts League Div 5  vs Waresley III (Away)
  Waresley III:  138 all out (A Darlow 3-21, D Greef 2-27, F Frost 2-26)
  Hilton:  141 for 3 wkts (A Leader 42 n.o., M Darlow 28)
Result:  Hilton won by 7 wickets