Penn Street vs Turville Park

Penn Street 83-10 (O. Andrews 35; N. Henry 4-11) were beaten by Turville Park 84-3 (S. Bucknell 34*; O. Andrews 2-4) by 7 wickets

We are very fortunate that our corner of the world contains some of prettiest cricket grounds that one could ever have the good fortune to play at, and Turville Park must be one of the finest. Set away from the roads in leafy Oxfordshire, with fields on one side and a fine manor house on the other, it is as picturesque a setting as one could wish for. The sun was shining and a very promising new fixture lay in prospect.

Matt Bannister won the toss and decided to bat on a hairy pitch but which looked firm underneath. However, Turville Park contained some useful swing bowlers who surprised James Sempill who received an absolute purler first ball up. As the ball continued to swing, Penn St struggled, and loose shots accounted for Matt Bannister and Peter Jupp. However, at the other end, making his Penn St debut, stood Oli Andrews. He was very much holding the innings together single-handedly, and his 35 runs would have easily been worth 50 if the outfields grass hadn’t been so long. The only other support he received was from Jack Mendy, who eliminated the outfield with some lusty blows in his 20 not out. Eventually, one quick single too many put paid to Oli, and Penn Street were all out for 83.

With the pitch drying out, an early wicket was essential, but despite Jack & Goody’s best efforts it was not to be. The breakthrough when it finally came, was courtesy Kieran Werrell, whose four overs showed he was back to his best. And finally, Matt brought Oli on to bowl with four runs remaining – and two lifting balls took two wickets. But it was too late – Turville Park won by 7 wickets.

Man of the Match – Oliver Andrews