Penn Street vs Hambleden

Hambleden 191-3 (C. Herriott 2-16) beat Penn Street 128-10 (P. Jupp 46) by 63 runs

So the Penn Street Gravy train rolled into Hambleden, on a day filled with promise. The sun was shining (off Cherriotts head anyway!) the team was looking as fit as Usain Bolt’s fitness trainer and we were ready to enjoy a proper game of “village” cricket.

The Street lost the toss and were put in the field in uncharacteristic hot, bright sunshine. With our latest Kolpac signing, Andrew at one end and the ever reliable Cherriott at the other we set about trying to remove the opening pair of batsmen. With the ball keeping as low as the Pound against the Euro and the openers hanging around like a bachelor Uncle at a fresher’s party it was tough going!

In true Penn Street style, catches were going down like, well I can’t really say but let’s just say we dropped a few! The opening bowlers came and went which brought Ryan Greenstreet and Simon Dale to the fold, who both bowled extremely well in difficult conditions but alas still no wickets. Winky even tried his arm but even with some inspired field settings things still weren’t going to plan. Eventually the breakthrough came in the 34th over when Cherriott took the wicket of the opener who scored a great ton, closely followed by another in the next over.

The Street were set 192 to win, a good total but one that was achievable….

Juppy and Matt strode to the crease like men about to go into battle with the intention of getting up more fielders noses than a prop forwards finger! Matt succumbed early as a top edge ballooned up for the keeper to take a simple catch. Rob Sutherland was next to the crease but didn’t last long as Simon forgot to put the safety catch on and landed up with his finger smoking like John Wayne’s Colt 45. Juppy put up some much needed resistance to some nagging bowling but eventually it was left to Tyler Armiger and Ryan to try and save the ship but with 18 an over needed it was just a step too far.

Never mind, at least the sun was shining!!

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES:

• C HERRIOTT - 2 FOR 16
• P JUPP - 46