Another Sunday Another Defeat - Brettenham

Hartest and Coldham Hall CC  - 77 All Out

Extras 23.

Brettenham CC - 78 for 1

G Walton 1-10.


   Another demoralising defeat to near neighbour's Brettenham who on wining the toss inserted Hartest and Coldham Hall into bat first on a warm sunny overdue day at the Richards Oval.

   Brettenham had a very pacey attack and it was soon obvious that getting a target to defend was going to be a big ask indeed.

   Dave Armstrong opened with Hodge but soon fell caught with the score on 7, the most productive partnership came between Roberts & Hodge who stood up to the onslaught of the Brettenham attack which was wasteful early on with many extras being conceded.

   The Brettenham skipper changed his two opening bowlers ends and this proved pivotal with Hodge catching a nasty ball on his wrist and retiring hurt for 11.

   Roberts gainfully tried but was also carrying a hand injury along with a long standing neck injury but with skipper Atkinson going for two, Roberts was caught by the fierce Barker for a top score on the day 16.

   Wickets tumbled quickly, Josh Borley got his career best 9 runs and the highlight of the day was a huge six from Jim Marlow over the bowlers head, however when he was bowled the innings was over as Hodge did not return and tea was taken.

   After a lovely tea this week from the Armstrong & Hodge family, Brettenham took to the task of chasing down the 78 runs required to win the game.

   Brettenham rejigged their batting order and made some heavy weather of getting about there business plus some good bowling from the opening bowlers Armstrong and Walton the latter picking up the only wicket of Raistrick for six.

   The skipper tried to give a few other bowlers a go and Jack Sasi, Sam Holder both did very well and the skipper needs a bit more work on his bowling but the game was never competitive as Hartest are clearly in the wrong league.

   Chairman Ralling is writing to the league stating that the club cannot be expected to stay in Division Two if more teams drop out to make the numbers up and without a win all season so far the facts back this up.

   The team is in transition with new younger players coming into the squad and need time to develop at the level they are currently at with a new skipper trying to learn from his step up onto the Captain's table.

  Moral is a bit low not unexpected a long season when your not winning or particularly close to either, and with some experienced players carrying or picking up injuries its a baptism of fire, so if you get a chance to come along and show your support please do there maybe nets on Wednesday evening and Lakenheath Away next week who have a brand new club house, well worth a visit, come on support the boys they need some timely encouragement.

The Webmaster