Penn Street vs Odney

Odney 261-2 (A. Damirchi 150*, A. Finlay 53*; N. Loftus 1-49, G. Simon 1-50) drew with Penn Street 145-7 (C. Loftus 33, P. Jupp 31; A. John 2-14)

It is always a pleasure to travel to Odney to one of the most picturesque settings that we play in, tucked away by the Thames at Cookham, and supporters turned out in numbers to the perfect spot for a Pimms picnic.

Sadly, it would probably be best to draw a veil over our bowling performance on Sunday. Maybe it was the uphill run-ups at both ends of the wicket, but all our bowlers struggled or line and length. What looked like a soft green wicket actually played like a road, and when combined with a large fast outfield, and an exceptionally strong opening batsman in A. Damirchi who scored 150, it meant that we were soon facing a large total. However, it was a time game, and Odney declared early at 261 for 2, which was certainly within reach.

All depended on a strong start, and Pete Jupp and Steve Smith looked to be well in the groove, Pete pushing the score along and Steve as resolute as ever against some fast and hostile bowling. However, Steve eventually fell Leg Before and was left ruefully rubbing his thigh. Matt Bannister then uncharacteristically popped one straight back to the bowler and was out for a duck. But Chris Loftus likes Odney, and was soon in the groove with his full set of cuts, pulls and punches through the covers.

Pete was going well, but the scoring rate was creeping up, and eventually he drove and was caught at the second attempt at slip. That opened the floodgates – Rob Sutherland and Richard Spooner falling quickly, as did Jack Mendy after a couple of good attacking shots. Which brought a brace of Lofti to the wicket. Chris was still looking secure, but Nick – on the back of his excellent knock the week before - was also batting well. A win was out of our reach but a draw was attainable. Neither batsmen let the bowlers get on top, continuing to punish the bad ball – although the bowling remained as sharp as it had been all match. With only a couple of overs to go, Chris finally fell for a hard-fought 33, but Tyler Armiger is very experienced now in such situations and didn’t panic, and Penn Street held out for a hard-fought draw.

Man of the Match : Chris Loftus