False Start
26 April 2009, Lindow CC 1st XI vs. Old Parkonians (a)
Old Parkonians 256 for 5 dec, Lindow 132 all out
Lindow (5pts) lost to Old Parkonians (25) by 124 runs
Travelling to Old Parkonians with hopes high, Lindow came home having suffered a significant reality check after a defeat of chastening proportions.
The square at Parkonians looked a picture in the sun, but Lindow asked the home side to bat anyway, expecting bowler friendly conditions. All seemed well when Henry Groverâs first over was a maiden, but that was as good as it got for Lindow. Grover, Matt Bradshaw and Andy Hume all struggled for rhythm and accuracy, and the home batting line up went after the loose bowling aggressively, though there was a bit of luck for the batsmen, as a few early mistimed shots fell safe. After opener N. Hitchell had been well run out for 13, the real damage was done by partner T. Hitchell (69) and Walker, who put on 146 in just 21 overs, with the visitors completely unable to stem the flow of boundaries. Even when Hitchell was finally out, becoming Bradshawâs (1 for 47) first wicket for Lindow, Walker continued on with certainty to a powerful century, with good support from Disbury (38) in a stand of 62 to take the score well past 200. Walker was eventually run out for 123 and Matty Law took 2 late wickets, but the home side were able to declare in the 43rd over with an imposing 256 on the board. There was little glory for the bowlers, but youngster Alex Pate (0 for 27) ran in gamely in difficult circumstances, and Law finished with 2 for 49.
Skipper Groverâs tactic of starting with a pinch hitter at the top of the order did not come off as Bradshaw was bowled by Fletcher (3 for 45) for 2, and Lindowâs challenge quickly subsided in the face of the good bowling disciplines of the home side. Lawâs process of adjustment to English wickets continues, as he mistimed a catch to mid-wicket of Fletcher, while Slinn and Foreman were both bowled shouldering arms to wide balls from the experienced C. Hitchell that nipped back a long way. Foreman did at least hint at better times ahead with an attractive 32. Opener Bracewell (14) also looked good for a while before chopping a ball on, but from 71 for 8 the game seemed over. However, Andy Hume played freely for 31 and a last wicket partnership of 34 with Henry Grover (14) at least secured 2 batting points before the inevitable defeat was confirmed. C. Hitchellâs 7 for 58 played the starring role for the hosts.
