CTCC 3rd XI arrived at Copdock having already been through the "mill" of availability and selection issues but had arrived with a full strength team consisting of youth and experience. The Copdock ground looked a picture as lunchtime sunshine tried to fool everyone into thinking the weather would be kind.
Copdock won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking wicket.The Copdock opening bat D Searle is a well known aggressive opening bat and was immediately tested by CTCC opening bowler Fergus Wishart with a short first ball and some good shape in the first over. CTCC opened at the top end with Mark Brassington who's return to cricket after a 20 year break had seen disciplined bowling but no wickets so far. This was remedied almost immediately as he had the younger Searle bowled for 1 run. Copdock then started to put a stand together before rain intervened and although only light the Copdock groundsman was on in a flash to protect his beloved square. The rain that hadnt been hard had eased and Coggeshall were keen to get the game back on. Unfortunately the Copdock groundsman was less enthusiastic and using future games as an excuse he remained reluctant to move the covers. The discussion continued and the CTCC Captains attitude was questioned. At this point the Copdock players also supported the CTCC Captain in suggesting that he was being "over protective" and also by this stage the rain had stopped! The game resumed.
Copdock continued to add to their total before CTCC finally made the 2nd breakthrough. Louis "the line" Gibson had Searle caught (and stumped) by Alex "the knees" Wickens in a blur of swift hand movements! Louis then bowled the incoming batsmen first ball. However the hat trick ball would have to wait as Louis had come to the end of his permitted spell. Kane Addison came on at the bottom end and followed up his Saturday spell by causing more difficulties for the Copdock pair.
Copdock's Wilkinson had moved on to 41 when Mark Brassington , (now bowling in 3 over spells as a shock/strike bowler!) returned and had him well caught by Rich Gray. Coggy continue to bowl well with particularly Jonjo McCabe, metronomic in his line and length and again picking up crucial wickets. Copdock continued to build their score in a even competition and as the end overs came the family partnership of Wisharts F&J both kept the scoring down. Louis G came back for his final spell but missed out on his hattrick. After 40 overs Copdock had scored 173, Mark B, Louis G and Jonjo M had all taken 2 wickets apiece and were ably supported by Fergus, John and Kane.
The "new 2's " had yet to score over 140 this season or bat for the full 40 overs but with a little more batting in the side this week and on a good wicket they were confident they could get close.
In form Alex W and Louis opened the innings but after an early flurry Alex was caught for 6. This brought another u14 to the wicket, Max Brassington. Having seen dad Mark pick up wickets family bragging rights were at stake! Max and Louis began to build taking singles and 2s as the rain got harder and the outfield slower.Both boys looked in good nick and were not fazed by the "grown up" langauage being offered by the opposition as they continued their partnership. At this stage the rain was consistent and although not hard it made fielding difficult and the home side could justifiably have come off. However they carried on in the best spirit of Sunday cricket and the ECB's wishes to "get the game on" and maybe a little sign to their groundsman that there was no need to be over protective! Max was eventually bowled for a fine 27 which brought Richard Gray to the wicket. At this stage Louis G was tiring and didnt need the "busy" RG hurrying and hassling both Louis and the opposition to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Louis was finally out for a (senior) career best 59 bringing school mate and CTCC Colt Oscar Johnson to the crease. Oscar started off in style with a fine boundary and with RG kept the runs flowing. Unfortunately both Richard and Oscar succumbed at similar times , both having scored 11.
At this stage CTCC were some 50 runs short but with wickets in hand in a strong position. Fergus and Dave Gibson were at the wicket and with late evening sunshine, a tiring opposition and a (still) good wicket to bat on just needed to keep pushing to get that first victory. These two reached the Copdock score with an over to spare.
I must say what a proud moment it was to gain the first victory for this new team. The blend of developing (not sure how long I can keep using that term !)colts, returning adults and regular CTCC players is something CTCC should be very proud of.
My thanks go to the Copdock players for playing through the worst of the weather and allowing the game to come to a conclusion, Alex W for turning out for 2 games this weekend, Kane for being in the nets at CTCC on Sunday morning, a long umpiring stint and advice to the youngsters whilst batting and everybody in the team for their enthusiasm and understanding when bumped off bowling or dropped in the batting order .
Roll on next week!