An end of season feel to the season was evident as the grass in the outfield reached its longest. Exmouth must have wondered what was in front of them...
The oppo won the toss and decided to make a game of it by electing to bat.
Phil bowled fairly tightly without being threatening while Richie struggled froom the devil's end. Gus Couldwell replaced him after he had bowled half a dozen overs and struck in his 3rd over by bowling Cross, in for the absent Stuat Rintoul. Gus should have had a second wicket but dropped a caught & bowled chance against Folland.
Martin Gill replaced Phil and Gareth replaced Gus (Richard Gill couldn't bowl owing to hamster trouble).
Gareth bowled Folland with a no-ball but suffered in his 3 overs fro 25.
Martin Gill managed to dismiss Julian Page, bowling him leg stump for 20 but then had to swap ends (ouch..) to accomodate Richie coming back on from the top end. this meant that Captain Dave bowled an over for the swap of ends - just the six runs were leaked.
Gilly's first 5 overs went for 13, his second spell of 6 overs went for 56, with a wicket and two dropped catches (double ouch).
Richie took a second wicket but the champagne moment was James Rothwell's catch at deep mid wicket off Phil - a cracker.
Exmouth declared at 218-6 with the threat of rain hanging around - one wonders why they didn't declare at 200..........
PCC took to the wickets at 4.30, James and Richard Gill being the beneficiaries of the batting order selection.
They reached 36 without loss including a minor stoppage for a shower with James showing more positiveness - more of this next season.
James was bowled by deposed 1st Teamer Toby Ingham who screamed with delight as if he'd bowled Sachin Tendulkar. He celebrated, equally as vocally in bowling Richard Gill for 19 with the score at 57. Well done.
His next two overs were hopeless and I'm gald we don't have this attitude in our teams - shortened run up and an apparent couldn't care less approach. Richie was the third to go for 13 when he was caught by opening bowler Pat Hall off slow lefty Sargeant with the score on 78 - wickets fell regularly as Jake managed a six and a single before being bowled by Butler. Sam Knapman lasted 2 balls - Butler bowling him too - 91-5 an dthe writing on the wall.
It was getting darker all the time with still 22 overs to go.
Captain Dave joined Gareth and hit a boundary for his opening scoring shot after 18 dots. Gareth, who has scored at 67 runs per hundred balls this season, fell for 21 when bowled by Sargeant. Gilly was LBW for 1 and bowler Jarvis took his 2nd in two balls by bowling Rhys. The rain came and Exmouth really didn't feel like staying - a few things at the club plus the trip back persuading them to call it a day.
A very very big thank you to Mr and Mrs Callicott.
Jill for her scoring - no club wants to have the players doing it and Phil Frindall apart, the players themselves don't particularly wish to either. As the statto, it has been great to have a legible, well set out scorecard - let's face it, the players like to look at the other team's cards. Plus, you've had to suffer the inglorious gales at Torpoint!!!
Al, you've saved everyone so much time by preparing the tea, tidying, washing up, making cups of tea for the scorers - it's very much appreciated by everyone.
Here endeth 2011.
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