Buckhorn Sees Some Action…At Last!!

Buckhorn Weston v Stokeinteignhead CC – Sunday 1^st June 2014

After weeks of constant rain and zero sunshine, Buckhorn finally managed to fulfil a home fixture and on Sunday the first cricket match of the 2014 season was played at Buckhorn’s own home of cricket. It was an enjoyable game, against a touring side from Devon, who made Buckhorn their last stop on their journey home after games in Hampshire on the Friday and Saturday.

The start was delayed to 3:30 to give the ground a few extra hours to bask in the Buckhorn sun and wind. When play did start, the captain’s agreed on a 25 over game. Adam B won the toss and Buckhorn fielded first. The first over at Buckhorn for this season was the longest (probably) in its history, as Tom Dunn struggled to keep his footing on a still-slippery artificial wicket. Harry Woolway opened the bowling at the other end and had slightly less trouble, in his bright red hockey shoes (for extra grip apparently?!), keeping his feet. Buckhorn changed their bowling at regular intervals, giving their bowlers short spells. Adam B and Simon B each bowled short spells, with the latter picking up 2 wickets and nearly a hat trick. The real impetus into Buckhorn’s bowling performance came from debutant under 15 player Matt Bradbury. Matt produced a masterful display of left arm spin bowling and finished up with a well-deserved 5 wicket haul – he too was on a hat trick at one point. After a swift start to their innings, regular losses of wickets meant that Stokeinteignhead’s progress was slowed. Several of the batsmen were able to inject some aggression into their innings and sent the Buckhorn fielders in search of the ball sevral times; however Buckhorn always seemed able to hit back and Stokeinteignhead finished with a total of 115/8 in their 25 overs. Buckhorn were impressive in the field, despite the conditions. Cortlandt Taylor showed the youngsters how it’s done, leaving himself looking as though he had just played a match of rugby, rather than a gentle game of cricket! Alex Gibbs pulled himself away from his grass mowing and got out his ankle-protectors for a Sunday game and was looking sharp in the covers.

Buckhorn’s now regular opening pair of Simon B and Harry went out to begin Buckhorn’s chase. It started well, with Simon B clearing the ropes to get off the mark. Harry played with care and looked very comfortable. Simon B tried to be more positive and was able to clear the ropes on several occasions. The pair ran well between the wickets. With the outfield being so wet the ball rarely travelled past the ropes for 4, therefore hard running between the wickets was needed. Simon B made it to 51 then lobbed one to square leg, seeing him out caught. George Stewart came to the crease at number 3 and connected with a couple of lusty blows, before one shot too many saw him bowled and back in the pavilion. Buckhorn were all the while making good progress towards their target, with Harry (29*) steering the team towards a home win, and with the entrance of the skipper – Adam B (19*) – to the crease, Buckhorn made it safely home with time to spare; leaving Buckhorn’s numbers 5 and 6 – Rory Dodd and Jemma – left with pad-rash and waiting for the next game to have a hit.

 Buckhorn’s next fixture is on Sunday 8^th June at home to Shaftesbury in the Three Counties

Sunday 15^th June sees Buckhorn Weston CC host a 6-a-side tournament on its 2014 Club Open Day. The day will see fast-paced action combined with a BBQ and a fun, friendly atmosphere.

 If anyone / any players are interested in playing or entering a side, please contact Adam at: buckhornwestoncc@gmail.com / 07873394494