Archived Match Report
First XI vs. Rushwick - 31 May - Rushwick v Canon Frome (or #slaythebeast)
The Frome travelled to the outskirts of Worcester looking to preserve their 100% winning start to the season, to be met by what sounded the like the outbreak of World War 3. There was no need to worry as we learnt that the local shooting club had a range next door, but they must have had some very big guns (but not as big as the Frome’s as it turned out) from the size of the explosions throughout the day.
Anyway, Rushwick did well to produce a wicket that played consistently considering the wet weather during the week. Frome batted first with the opening pair of Godsall senior (Mark) and Fortz laying a good foundation, putting on 83 for the first wicket, Fortz driving beautifully straight and employing the reverse sweep to good effect. Mark was sportingly recalled by the Rushwick skipper after some confusion with a dropped catch, an injured fielder and a run out, but soon departed bowled after playing a hook shot a week early to a short pitched delivery. Andy Rogers soon holed out to mid-off and Fortz played one reverse sweep too many and was bowled for 53, bringing together Hopey and Nicko at 113 for 3 at the halfway mark. From there on in, the bowling became friendlier and the pitch truer, with the Frome adding nearly 200 runs in a little over 20 overs. Hopey and Nicko peppered the boundary frequently until Nicko got one that kept low and was leg before for 36. No, don’t argue Nicko, it was plumb. Hopey went to make 65 before holing out in the deep, bringing in Ben Child who carried on in the same vein, reaching 54 not out by the close ably assisted by the only player in the league with a triple barrelled name, James Trotty-Tredders-Hughes. The innings closed on a formidable 310 for 5.
Rushwick’s innings didn’t get off to the best of starts and they were soon in trouble at 15 for 3, Nicko taking all 3 wickets, courtesy of a played-on, a smart catch at second slip by Ben Child and an easy catch for Andy Rogers at cover. However, Rushwick’s middle order started to rebuild the innings with some sensible batting, but were never up with the run rate in this win/lose game. The drinks break and a bowling change brought its usual wicket, when James TTH’s first ball was spooned to point, where Will Godsall made a difficult catch coming over his shoulder look very easy. The young Rushwick team then couldn't offer much resistance. James TTH must have offended the skipper, as after an impressive spell of 4 for 4, he was removed from the attack for the return of Ben Child, who took the ninth wicket to fall, finishing with 1 for 19. Nicko polished off the tail to return figures of 5 for 34, leaving the Frome winners by 197 runs. Praise must go to the young Rushwick team who never let their heads go down in the face of a powerful Frome team.
Anyway Ben C, after being caught on camera pondering The Hopton’s Saturday evening temptation, did you summon up the courage to slay the beast?
