SLAM DEVELOPMENT TEAM DOWNED BY THE RAMS (by Boyz2Men)

he Slam development team met a rather strong Slinfold Rams in the first round of this years Sunday Slam, but put up a gutsy performance and were not disgraced in defeat.

Slinfold won the toss and batted and got off to a flying start although they were pegged back by Dylan who picked up 2 wickets in his 4 over spell. Slinfold’s powerful batting line up, with a number of 1st team players, continued to go at a decent lick, Amit coming on and picking up a wicket. Veteran, Simon Woodhouse, playing his first competitive game since 2002, bowled well in his spell and will no doubt be feeling the after effects this morning. His blistering pace around the outfield saw his second pair of cricket shoes in as many years disintegrate before his eyes, and a disconsolate Simon came off at the break with the remnants firmly clutched in his hands. Alfie shed the keepers gloves and bowled well and picked up a wicket, Adviath also hit some good areas and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket. It was left to Skipper & Club Legend, David Gentles, to pick up the last 3 wickets by way of an excellent caught & bowled, a brilliant catch by Amit and a run out. Slinfold Rams 175/9.

Special mention must be made of our fielding performance especially by our colts. Loic Woodhead, Toby Love, Advaith Bali and Freddie Marus who were all absolutely tremendous. It is unlikely that they have ever had the cricket ball hit that hard (or high) at them before but not once did they shirk the challenge presented……well done lads.

With an asking rate of nearly 9 an over required from the off, openers Marus Senior & Bali Junior set off in pursuit and got off to a good start. Old timer, Simon was severe on anything short and notched up a quickfire 44 before being trapped in front to the mutest appeal ever heard from the bowler which immediately triggered the umpire into action.
Freddie in at 3 had his off stump cart wheeling out of the ground by the Sinfold 1st Team opening bowler, not really a fair contest against a 13 year old but there we go. With their umpire not as observant when it came to the run up restrictions, with the Slinfold fast bowlers starting their run ups a few yards short of the inner ring.

Advaith and Alfie tried to keep the scoreboard moving, the highlight of Alfie’s 18 being a maximum down the ground. Amit swung hard for a few overs and Advaith retired after a patient 24* and will have benefited from facing such a decent bowling attack.
Toby & Loic batted well with Toby hitting a 4 off his legs through square leg and Lee, who also fielded well, went out to face the last few balls as South finished on a respectable 145/6, with 35 extras being the second highest score. To be fair to Slinfold, their attacking fields allowed South to score and they only had sweepers when Simon M was going well.

Skipper Dave said some really positive words in the huddle at the end of the game and quite rightly said how proud he was of the young lads. Thanks as ever to Team Manager and half centurion birthday boy John Campbell and to the injured Kyle for umpiring. Next Sunday, if we can muster a team, our mixture of Dads, Colts and youngsters welcome Reigate Priory to South, 4:30pm start so if you are free come down and support the lads.