Match Report - Braintree away 4th July 2009

Match report Brockley 2nd Xl v Braintree 3rd X1 Saturday 4th July 2009

Records were smashed as Brockley 2nd Xl, sponsored by Sovereign Financial Services, Chesham, made the most of their day out at Braintree in Div 8 of the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties League; playing at the opposition’s main town centre ground on an excellent batting surface the Brockley batsman were helped by a short boundary and fast outfield as they plundered the home sides bowling for a heady 411 for 6 - a club record. Both the visitors openers, Fisher and M. Blackledge, missed out after careless shots leaving the team’s ancient captain P. Reed in partnership with 17 yr old T. Fenner who despite his considerable talent had never scored a league fifty. Whilst Reed [103] batted in his usual cumbersome style Fenner embarked on a hitting frenzy- peppering the neighbouring municipal car park with 11 massive sixes in a massive 207- another club record - and collecting a £50 bet from his impressed vice captain. Considering the heat and their relentless search for lost balls the opposition displayed great resilience in sticking doggedly to their task in dealing with the “old and young” third wicket partnership of 223 (another club record).

With a number of the Brockley team’s MAGS (mothers and girlfriends) missing young Fenner’s fireworks preferring instead the alternative delights of the nearby shopping mall the Braintree batsman embarked on their run chase with some style; D. Wallace top scoring with a determined fifty before being bowled by the enigmatic J. Kimber who also pouched an excellent slip catch in a total of 245 for 9. S. Fenner- left arm spin- and A. Shinn- fast and furious- were the pick of the Brockley bowlers with two wickets each and the team’s eight bowlers were supported by exceptionally enthusiastic ground fielding in a match that will be remembered for ever by the Fenner family.

Sometimes it’s a captain’s nightmare to manage the second innings fielding when defending such a high score as there seems to be little at stake as the match runs to its inevitable conclusion. I was therefore very impressed with everyone’s enthusiasm in the field which was illustrated by Liam Grimwood’s commitment to chasing down every lost cause; it was a pleasure to captain a group that displayed such a positive attitude which even rubbed off on the old timers JR and DF. Despite being a bit frustrated that he was going to be late for a dinner date, DF maintained a reasonably upbeat mood although the question has to be asked, will he ever stay for a post match away drink again?

A number of candidates for the C.M award…anyone of Tom Fenner many sixes and his controversial boundary stop…two excellent slip catches- J. Kimber and S. Fenner and Buster Blackledge’s first league wicket. Kimber’s sharp slip catch wins.

Only one M of the M candidate - Tom Fenner’s exhilarating and memorable 207.

Posted on 05 Jul 2009 by Phil Reed