Sunday 4th September 2011: Buckhorn Weston v Bruton (a) – TCL

‘Buckhorn capitulate as they miss out on three in a row’

Buckhorn were in search of a third successive League title, however it was obviously not to be their day. The pitch and ground played ok, considering the weather; but overall Buckhorn let themselves down on a day when they needed to pull together and put in a solid all-round performance. Adam B won the toss and put Bruton in on a very wet looking pitch; but the pitch had no effect on Bruton’s openers, who slogged from the off and put Simon Dodd and Tom Blomfield on the back foot early on. This prompted a change, with Simon B replacing Tom. Early breakthroughs came, but an inability to bowl one side of the wicket (or even full) and some slack fielding let Bruton cash in. Adam B bowled 7 good overs and Daffy tried tirelessly for the team, picking up the final wicket. In between, Simon B bowled economically; but the boys conceded too many runs, as Bruton mounted 167 all out.

Buckhorn’s reply was fairly weak. Simon B (25) and George Wayman (30) got them off to a good start, but both were undone by the slow wicket and a lack of self restraint; consequently they were both out caught. After that the side never got going, as wickets fell at regular intervals; with players getting themselves out, rather than protecting their own wicket and making the bowlers work for it. Buckhorn collapsed to 97 all out, with their hopes resting on rain at one point.

The result was disappointing, but that takes nothing away from what has been another excellent season for the club, playing some good cricket in amongst the difficulties of poor regular availability and a lack of an U15s section to strengthen the senior side. This missed opportunity should only fuel the team to go on and finish the job next year.