A Selection Committee

Jags (174-1, Parrish 90*!, Dunn 60 Mailes 18*) beat the Dobblers (157/5 S Dobb 44, L Dobb 25, Savage 3-23) by 17 runs. 

 MOTM- Parrish

On an overcast June evening, the Jags continued their league campaign by facing the visit of the Dobblers at Queens. Notable returnees for the match included Steve Mann, Alex Dunn and Chris Mailes. The scorecard available online lists the Jags as only the ten for the match, there was much discussion in the leadup to the match on the strict selection policy for the XI, A Brolia was named in the matchday squad, but alas decided that with only the prospect of a fielding stint available, other matters took priority.

The pitch for tonight’s game looked soft – overnight rain before the game making all involved grateful to get a game on. Something happened at the toss, which I do not recall, the net result saw Matt and Dunny walking out to open the batting for the Jags. The Dobblers XI included several familiar faces, most significantly for tonight’s game was Oscar Fry, teammate at Histon but was opening the bowling tonight.

In the early exchanges, ball dominated bat a couple of edges falling safely, the openers happy to block and leave for the opening passage of play. The outfield was wet from the previously mentioned rain, making 2s and 3s an option for shots that normally were going to the ropes. Having seen the threat of Fry off (0-10(4)) with remarkable patience in a T20, Matt and Alex enjoyed some looser bowling as the changes had to be made. A real feature of the partnership was the running between the wickets, dots were turned to 1’s, 1’s into 2’s etc. Only a couple of times were the batters ever close to jeopardy, the Dobblers not quite able to find the direct hit that could have got a wicket.

The partnership accelerated through the middle overs, Dunny being the first to bring up 50, his second in as many games for the Jags, another wise selection call from Parrish. As the partnership continued to blossom, the other members of the Jags rested ever easier in their seats. A strong crowd had gathered infront of the Queen’s pavilion, Tyler certainly preoccupied with his +1, the Sidemen (look them up, or on second thoughts don’t bother) being the entertainment for the night. 

Back with everyone else’s entertainment this evening, Matt crossed to 50 as well, continuing his fine form in all competitions. The opening partnership continued on it’s merry way, both batters finding the boundary with good regularity, the score 122-0 after 15 (six ball) overs. Looking to accelerate the the innings in the final quarter, an optimistic 2 was called, Dunny unfortunately run out for a cracking 60. Chris in at 3, with just a few overs to cash in at the death.

The two of them were able to score regularly off the change bowlers at the death, Chris finishing the innings with an impressive maximum, and earning himself another red inker at 18*

The man of the moment however and without a doubt the player of the match, Matt walked off the field having batted all 20 overs, finishing on 90*. A great physical effort to be out for all of the Jags 174 runs. A true captain’s innings.

Fully deserving of a break, Matt decided not to take the gloves tonight. This brought a flurry of ideas for replacement keepers, Barker was chosen to take the responsibility. The traditional opening partnership of Liam and Tyler was restored this week, the Jags knew that some early wickets or dot ball pressure would see the rate rise steeply.

Early goings were steady, the dobblers openers playing the balls on it’s merits, the outfield hadn’t quickened up so there was still lots of running between the wickets to be done. Sharp fielding from the Jags’ ten men cut down the runs from the field. The openers picked up the occasional boundary enough to keep the run rate in check.

Savage replaced Brett from the tennis court end and was able to keep the ball in the park, Sawyer being kept busy on the midwicket boundary before being introduced into the attack himself from the far end. Sawyer’s bowling is always a great watch, in the same way as Bazball, every ball is an event! An early stumping chance thanks to Barker’s fast hands was turned away by the ever attentive square leg ump. The run rate was kept in check by the well organised openers, the game still waiting for the first genuine wicket for a bowler in the 30thover. 

Finally, the breakthrough was made, Savage finding the outside edge, well taken by Barker behind the sticks. The batter not happy to be given out, even the non-striker agreeing that the decision was correct. The dobbler’s other opener did not last much longer either, unwisely advancing to Sawyer’s leggies, Barker in the game again, no trouble in giving that stumping.

The middle order had to come out playing their shots because of the steep run rate, Savage collected another thanks to a good running catch from Sawyer in the deep. The jags earning reward for their ‘good lines’ (J Barker 29/6/23). Savage earnt a third from the final ball of his set, dislodging the leg stump. A hat trick ball to come next time.

Mann came into the attack, his economy was hurt from the extras, but otherwise bowled well, the run rate building against the Dobblers. Chris came in and fired up the cele-appeal right away, an LBW shout turning to celebration when the bail was dislodged.

He could have had a second, Sawyer involved in field again, called the catch before spilling it. Thankfully for him, the jags selection policy has already got a head on the block, so we might have him back.

Liam and T were reintroduced to complete their spells and the game two, a great top-order batting performance and a sound effort in the field sees the jags go four for four in the league, keeping the top spot in the table.

Pub turnout might have been good, but I wasn’t there, so cannot comment.

Hardwick and Caldecott next up at Queens – 6th July.