Farningham II 192-6 in 40 overs (Simon Evans 63, Richard Pleydell 47*, Owain Withers 3-0-17-2) lost to Speldhurst II 193-7 in 36.3 overs (Mark Flemington 36, James Greenidge 93, Kevin Cullern 7-0-25-2, Chris Scott 8-0-30-3) by 3 wickets.
The 2s were asked to field at a warm Farningham which made a change regarding the weather, and it quickly became clear why. The pitch was hard and flat, and wickets were hard to come by, especially if you drop five catches before the first drinks break!
The breakthrough came through a suicidal run out, and a retired “tired”. We did take some late wickets through Owain Withers but plaudits go to the middle-overs squeeze provided by ‘spin twins’ Mark Flemington and James Greenidge. Both bowled nine overs for 25 runs and this in my eyes won the match.
Batting came second and came easier. M Flemington and Ed Wesson opened proceedings, both looking good until Ed missed one. Mr Greenidge then came to the crease with the full weight of his name and heritage behind him. He did not disappoint! The highlight of his fabulous 93 being a flicked six into the pavilion – the lowlight was him being out with 6 still needed to win.
Despite a late collapse (of course) we got there. With overthrows! I was actually out there at the winning time and ended with 6 not out which included the over throws. Fiery Farningham were audibly disappointed – couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch…
