UWMCC washed out despite Povey and Bradshaw exploits
As is so common with British weather, temperatures of 22C and a non-existent breeze the day before was followed by a windy and drizzling morning as UWMCC gathered for their trip to Nottingham. Sturrock taking on the role of player-driver for the day thoroughly looking forward to his first proper excursion driving the minibus.
Finally finding our way to the Notts ground, UWMCC swiftly checked out the pitch that would be epitomising the weather for the day – unpredictable.
Winning the toss and inserting Nottingham into bat looked like a magical decision as the Notts opener ambitiously drove Povey first ball only to be caught by a sharp low catch by Gould on the drive. Notts 0 for 1 off 0.1 overs. More vicious bowling from Povey and Qadri getting the ball to bounce, stay low, seam in and out led to Povey grabbing another 3 wickets with Nottingham languishing on 28 for 4.
Bennett and Mahmood continued to utilise the minefield of a pitch troubling the Notts top order. The pitch almost being too harsh as several balls doing too much to cause any real harm as the batsmen continued to play and miss by some distance. Spinners Gould and Srikanth soon initiated into the attack to try and find these minefields – a mission achieved by Srikanth as he somehow produced some vicious bouncers (yes bouncers). Wickets for Srikanth, Mahmood and Bennett leaving Nottingham struggling at 148 for 7, however a well crafted 8th wicket partnership taking their total to 207 as the weather dried up and the sunshine came out. A good omen for UWMCC as the run chase was on.
Bradshaw and Barclay opening up for UWMCC working the ball exquisitely around intermittent with some big blows to the boundary. A fantastic first wicket partnership on a troubling pitch was ended as Barclay played slightly too early to depart for a controlled 29 leaving UWMCC 96-1. Bradshaw, fresh off his century last week was full to the brim with confidence continuing to despatch the Notts bowlers. However, change was on its way in the distance as the pleasant sunshine gave way to ominous dark clouds and a change of fortunes for Nottingham. Bradshaw departing for an excellent 83 ably assisted by Srikanth with a gritty performance (20). Weather conditions deteriorated by the minute, as UWMCC kept one eager eye on staying above the run rate as the likelihood of the game having to be stopped increased. As it was, the rain and wind continued and in the battle of staying above the run rate, UWMCC lost wickets through some rash decision making. Finally washed out for 178 in conditions characteristic of those seen in stormy November.
A disappointing and frustrating loss. Back to fortress Cryfield for next week’s game against Nottingham’s poly neighbours Trent.