29th May 2011 at Graffham
40-overs game
Graffham CC 148 all out in 38 overs (M Dally 50, S Pink 25, R Riddell 23: Dave Clarke 8 overs 2 for 25, Paul Phillips 2 for 23, Matt Hall 8 overs 2 for 26, Nick Bellion 7 overs 2 for 29)
Lodsworth CC 152 for 9 in 36 overs (Paul Phillips 28, Dave Clarke 27, Fergus Cruikshank 27, Bob Powell 11 not out; I Stevenson 8 overs 3 for 40, P Barrett 8 overs 2 for 26, B Barrett 2 for 27)
Lodworth won by 1 wicket
This was the first game between the two neighbouring village teams for about five years. The last encounter ended in acrimony when some inebriated spectators traded jibes with the Lodsworth players. But this closely contested game proved to be one played in the finest sporting traditions of village cricket and succeeded in mending fences.
Graffham CC batted first on a splendid wicket that has improved dramatically since our last encounter. M Dally hit a chanceless 50 supported by S Pink (25) and M Riddell (23). Lodsworth used seven bowlers and kept a fairly tight rein on the opposition. Dave Clarke, Matt Hall, Paul Phillips and Nick Bellion all took two wickets while Nick took a superb one-handed catch and Paul assisted in a smart run out.
The Lodsworth inning began with an almost disastrous implosion. Lee Ayres, James Hickey, Jonny Clifford, Nick Bellion and Matt Hall all departed with low scores and it was left to the middle order of Dave Clarke (27), Paul Phillips (28) and Fergus Cruikshank (27) to steady the ship.
The game went right to the wire with 12 runs needed as the last two Lodsworth batsmen, Jerry Keene and Bob Powell, came to the crease. Jerry stole a couple of singles and Bob knocked 11 including two boundaries as Lodsworth swept to their fifth consecutive win.
Man of the Match Paul Phillips
