Having lost the toss Eastry were invited to bat on what looked a flat wicket. However Eastry seemed to ignore this fact immediately, losing two quick wickets; Aaron Friend’s being a particularly ugly shot to complete his pair for the weekend. Ned Gleave joined Pete Eastman at the crease and went about the rebuild. Gleave showed some particularly impressive wristy shots. Gareth Friend then went on to join Gleave after Eastman was dismissed for his new personal best in Eastry colours. At this point the scoring accelerated rapidly with some lusty blows aimed at the pavillion and the opposite houses. Gray managed to quell the aggression by taking three quick wickets, denying Gleave his century and also claiming the scalps of Friend and Deveson. However a rapid 84 run partnership from Kenton and Hill helped secure a healthy Eastry total of 295, ultimately ensuring their ability to control the match.
In reply Boughton seemed unwilling to attempt to reach the massive total and seemed content to bat the rest of the day out. However, with the constant pressure of not scoring any runs, encroaching fielders and some lively bounce, it proved a risky tactic. Deveson managed to remove the openers, firstly by luring the attacking Richardson into one drive too many and then securing the run out of Hughes after a suicidal run. However, Boughton once again shut up shop and Eastry were pushed into placing up to 9 men in the slips in order to try and coax some attacking shots out. A mixture of slow and vicious bouncey pace failed to gain any reward until Friend finally snared Mace with a particularly violent bouncer. With overs dwindling and pace bowling failing to blast the batsmen out of the creases, Eastry turned their pace bowlers into gentle spin. What followed gave Eastry hope of a shock victory in the last few overs. Friend dislodged four batsmen in 5 balls to leave Boughton reeling. However, Gray was able to see the home side through to the end, accelerating at times to reach a chance-free 56 no. Friend claimed remarkable figures of 6-15 and everyone retreated to the pub.
Harry Kenton – 20/06/2013
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