On a minimum of 200-220 pitch, a lack of runs prved the IIs downfall
PCC batted first on a gorgeous day and with a short cover "Goals" boundary, a total of, especially with our batting line-up, in excess of 200 seemed a real possibility.
Initially, the Exeter attack seemed lacklustre and there was very little movement to disconcert the opening pair - At 24 though, Phil Stephenson edged behind and Dave Watson followed 5 runs later.
With Sparky and Benny Ferrao at the crease, we looked forward to a nice recovery and a chance for them both to make decent scores. However, Sparky tried to cut one which was far to close to him and luckily Ben was drooped on 0 - a comfortable catch in the covers going down.
Quiche gave the fielder another go and it was 43-4.............Ben and Andy Ware appeared to be guiding PCC out of trouble but Andy was yorked for 16 and when Pete Firth went LBW for 1, it was 76-6...........Gilly and Phil Barrow were padding up at this point.
The 2 Bens added 28 before Ben Robins was bowled and then the other ben was stumped by Pat Steward for 35 - he had played well after his earlier life.....
How Pavvi didn't pull every muscle in his body, one will never know as he tried to target the short boundary from the bowling up the hill - he managed one 6 but his demise brought the last two together.
Phil managed to bosh his way to 21 but just failed to reach the 150 and Exeter were left to chase 145 to win.
Exeter's openers showed their intent early and were slightly unlucky to have Wilkinson out LBW to Ben Robins - Phil followed up with the wicket of Burn (36-2) and we just sensed Exeter were seeing a few things to make them more hesitant.
Quiche dropped a catch at mid-off and after Pavi and gilly had made Exeter 84-4, we felt stranger things had happened.
A blatant caught behind wasn't given and we knew it wasn't to be.
However, it just seems obvious that the batsman aren't hungry enough - bat half an hour for 20 instead of trying to stay there all afternoon - i'd bowl non-stop all day if I could because I love bowling - you can't bat when you're slumped in a chair bemoaning a bad shot.
We have a combined 2nd XI/3rd XI against Sandford - let's give it our best
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