With only 17 points separating next week's opponent's Plymstock and us, there is a grave danger that the possibility of relegation may be reality in a few weeks.
Captain Dave won the toss and elected to bat. he opened with Jon Varcoe but Dave lasted only 9 balls before being bowled by Nick Mansfield. Jon lasted twide as long and was also bowled, Tom Chaplin taking his wicket for 6.
Rich Gill, returning from Grandma's party, batted cautiously for his 12 until being unable to resist the experienced Charlie Dibble and popped one to cover where Chaplin took a good catch. Alex Thomas was bowled by Chaplin for 18 and when Gareth was adjudged caught behind for 5 and Rich MacPherson for his second consecutive duck, PCC were left 6 down with 100 runs a long way away.
Sam Knapman (28) and Liam Edmunds (17), somehow, almost providentially, led a mini recovery as Plymouth edged themselves towards and over the 100 mark. When Liam was dismissed, Martin Gill took his average to 14.50 (probably, near the top - I haven't added the scorecards yet).
Sidmouth needed 124 to win and a missed standard catch behind the wicket went begging early on youngsters Bess and Dibble scored freely off Phil Barrow. Jordan bowled his 7 overs for 14 and was replaced by Martin Gill who bowled 6 overs for 9 before being replaced, hopefully to come on later when the tail was in - this theory came about as Rich Gill bowled a super 13 over spell taking 5 for 26 including a stonker of a catch by Jon Varcoe at slip. Rich MacPherson joined in the fun (he also made Derek Randall - look him you lot under 20.....25? - look less agile than me in the field) by taking 2 wickets and at 7 down with still 30 odd needed, it was to be a close finish.
Unfortunately, Phil came on at the bottom end when we should have, perhaps had Rich bowling with Gilly at the other - Phil was hit for 17 in his last over (that he bowled) and 4 byes settled the match nest over - I can only say sorry - I bowled it in the slot to Charlie Dibble and I got tapped. 1 wicket in 4 matches just isn't what we are after.
The batting is a real concern but that is something only the batters can change -
It's D-Day next Saturday - Good Luck everyone.
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