Buccaneers 276 for 2 (35 overs). Lindfield 129 all out. Buccaneers win by 147 runs
With splendid weather, the Buccaneers descended upon Lindfield for a tussle with a side normally packed with former pros and their friends. Typically, this game has been closely fought with great performances from both sides over the years.
This year – a mixed side was fielded by the opposition, without the premium names that we have come to expect. An honourably negotiated toss followed, in which the Buccs were inserted on a day that looked primed for run scoring. The skipper scouted the changing room for eager batsmen, only to be confronted with many looking for a more leisurely day down the order. Nevertheless, with strong batting all down the order the order, the mood was high.
Runs followed, with Berry and Milne putting on 100 for the opening stand against some gentle bowling, punishing anything loose. Lindfield changed strategy, bringing on wily spinners including the overseas pro. As ever at Lindfield, spin made life difficult, with the dry surface and favourable slope contributing to prodigious turn from both ends.
Berry was dismissed by one that gripped from a full length, taking the top of his off stump, but not before he had raised his bat for 50 to the onlooking supporters. Max Sutton followed in quick succession to the overseas pro to a rather unplayable ball from a length. Thanks for coming.
Rebuilding required, with our dominant start halted by some crafty turn. Moules arrived at the crease, and in typical fashion began to bludgeon the ball with ease. On came the elderly grenade throwers, a tricky proposition on a slow wicket. Flight, and an eternity to consider 15 different shots has dismissed many a set batsman, but they were played with care from the skipper (eying a big score), and aggression from Moulsey as the Buccs pressed on to a big total.
The skipper reached his ton at the back end of the innings – and retired, bringing the youngest Sutton to the crease in his first Buccs outing. He batted with poise and discipline punishing anything loose. A particular highlight was his flat six, smashed over long on with disdain. Red inkers for Moules and Sutton (L) as the Buccs finished on 276/2 from their 35 overs. Bravo.
No tea! No open bar! The Buccs were in uproar as the refreshments from Lindfield left a bit to be desired. No problem, Co-op sandwiches and crisps were the flavour of the day. Ben Stokes was rumoured to be fuelled by the same elite dietary programme during his Headingley heroics.
Georgie Leefe and Cosi Sutton opened the bowling with a large total to defend. Georgie bowled magnificently, swinging the new ball and taking three wickets in her spell. Cosi bowled with pace and aggression up the hill. Somewhat erratic to begin with, he found his line and length perfectly to challenge the outside edge of the bat. Catches were dropped (including by the skipper), and flew through an open cordon. Hard work paid off taking the wicket of Lindfield’s captain, caught in the covers.
The pace of the game slowed, with canny bowling from Okines and Simon Leefe restricting the overseas pro and his partners during the middle overs. The Leefe family bowled 14 uninterrupted overs from the top end, taking a combined 6-41 through 14 overs. Chapeau.
By this point, the game was done, with the run rate exceeding 20. A fiery spell from Steve Moules mopped up the tail to make it two wins in the last two years. Thanks to all who participated – a great win!
Scorecard:
Innings of Buccaneers
A.Berry Bowled Booth 51
L. Milne Retired 100
M. Sutton Bowled Imesh 0
S. Moules not out 87
L. Sutton not out 25
Extras 13
Total 276-2 (35 overs)
Bowling
Barnett 4-0-21-0
Yash 3-0-25-0
Booth 7-0-41-1
Redd 3-0-30-0
Imesh 5-0-26-1
Richardson 4-0-41-1
Morgan D 2-0-13-0
Morgan J 2-0-14-0
Innings of Lindfield
Colvin b G Leefe 8
Beattie ct [ ] b G Leefe 17
J Morgan ct [ ] Sutton 22
Imesh B Moules 63
J Morgan ct [ ] b G Leefe 4
Barnett b Leefe 5
Kabber b Leefe 1
Redd b Leefe 1
Booth b Moules 0
Richardson b Moules 0
Extras 10
Total 129 all out (30 overs)
Bowling
C Sutton 5-0-43-1
G Leefe 7-0-27-3
W. Okines 7-0-27-0
S Leefe 7-0-18-3
S Moules 4-0-13-2
L Milne 1-0-1-1