Sidley 3rd XI v. Buxted Park 3rd XI

Sidley 181-3
Buxted park 142-7

On a typical wet, windy 3rd XI match day at Netherfield, we got the better of a draw in what proved latterly to be a very exciting game that we might easily have won in the last few overs.

Our total of 181-3 was due mainly to the best opening partnership of the season between Paul (80) and Andy (50). Both stuck to the task well on a true but difficult pitch, with Paul in particular hitting some key boundaries late in his innings to drive us on towards 200. Mike, sent in to add some quick runs, was unlucky to be run out, and Kevin contributed a quick 20 at the close of the innings.

Due to persistent rain and one torrential downpour, Robin decided to declare at tea, a decision that turned out to be absolutely spot on, as our best chance of winning was to give the visitors a manageable total to chase.

The Buxted Park opening batsmen were clearly not going to give much away, and their captain, who eventually fell just short of a 50, played a long, patient innings trying to build a platform for a late onslaught on the Sidley total.

The game seemed to be drifting towards a very tame draw, before some loose bowling and a rapid increase in extras due to a very short boundary behind the stumps at one end saw the visitors easing towards a comfortable victory run-rate as the last 20 overs approached.

Some very fine, controlled bowling from Andy (4-28), Craig (1-35) and particularly Simon (2-17) in the latter stages, put the batsmen under intense pressure and wickets began to tumble. We couldn't quite prise out the last few visitors and Buxted Park closed on 142-7.

Conditions were less than pleasant throughout, and the poor light made it difficult for everyone, but a number of catches went down on this occasion, and that might just have cost us the victory that we badly needed.

Despite that, we were again all delighted with the fighting spirit we showed during the game. Although we somehow seem to have finished bottom of the league, we certainly haven't felt like a bottom side, having given virtually all of the sides in our group good contests. Most importantly, we have all enjoyed the cricket this year: many of the games have been really exciting, with a number of outcomes uncertain right up the last few overs. Sadly, the two games that we had to forfeit earlier in the season are probably the sole reason for our bottom place - something that we have to avoid in the future.

Many thanks to Robin for captaining the side throughout the season (with help from Neil) and for making all those necessary weekly match arrangements. Andy, too, has been a tower of strength in the background.

Those who were able to stay on after the match enjoyed a snack at the White Hart in Netherfield where the restaurant staff allowed us plenty of time for reflection on the past season as we waited, hungrily, for our orders!!