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Sat 08 Jun 2013 · 1st XI Division 1
NORMANDY
1st Team
211
136
Normandy vs Ashtead, 8 June 2013
Ashtead Cricket Club13 Jun 2013 - 08:21
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A devastating collapse left the Ashtead 1st XI in tatters on Saturday at Normandy. Having dominated the first three quarters of the match, the Stags lost 8 wickets for 24 runs to fall well short of Normandy's target of 211.
Overseas player Nathan Souter delivered a match-winning performance for the home side. His double of 65 runs and 3 for 39 (by way of a hat trick) proved the difference between the two sides.
Batting first on a flat wicket, Normandy seemed unable to unravel Ashtead's tight bowling. The Stags also set a high standard in the field despite the hot conditions, effecting 2 run outs in the process. Medium pacer Stewart Cameron starred with 4 wickets.
Undoubtedly the pick of Normandy's batsmen was Souter, whose patient innings of 65 from 99 balls was pivotal. His partnerships with Ross Skidmore (40) and Chris Jones (31) carried Normandy to a respectable – but seemingly attainable – target of 211.
Ashtead started their reply confidently with a first-wicket stand of 52. John Vaughan-Davies' dismissal for 25 stifled the momentum slightly, but at tea the Stags were well on top at 90 for 1.
Opener Fred Davies and first drop Andrew Roberts had put on nearly 40 runs for the second wicket with relative ease. One felt that another 40 runs from the pair after tea could seal Normandy's fate.
That was not to be with Roberts miscuing a long hop to perish for 20 shortly after the break. Then came the collapse.
Cameron nicked out second ball to another innocuous delivery. Shortly thereafter, top-scoring Davies (52) was needlessly run out attempting a third run.
Souter, who had bowled tight leg spin without luck to this point, then proved his worth to the home side. He single-handedly sank Ashtead's hopes of victory, dismissing Ashtead's sixth, seventh and eighth batsmen in as many balls.
At 114 for 7, crumbling Ashtead turned their attention towards salvaging a draw. But with around 20 overs remaining and the momentum with Normandy, the damage was too great.
Despite a dogged stand by the Ashtead tail, Normandy comfortably secured their ten wickets and maximum points.
It was an innings to forget for the Stags. They will need to do just that if they are to bounce back against Cheam at Woodfield Lane this weekend.
Batting first on a flat wicket, Normandy seemed unable to unravel Ashtead's tight bowling. The Stags also set a high standard in the field despite the hot conditions, effecting 2 run outs in the process. Medium pacer Stewart Cameron starred with 4 wickets.
Undoubtedly the pick of Normandy's batsmen was Souter, whose patient innings of 65 from 99 balls was pivotal. His partnerships with Ross Skidmore (40) and Chris Jones (31) carried Normandy to a respectable – but seemingly attainable – target of 211.
Ashtead started their reply confidently with a first-wicket stand of 52. John Vaughan-Davies' dismissal for 25 stifled the momentum slightly, but at tea the Stags were well on top at 90 for 1.
Opener Fred Davies and first drop Andrew Roberts had put on nearly 40 runs for the second wicket with relative ease. One felt that another 40 runs from the pair after tea could seal Normandy's fate.
That was not to be with Roberts miscuing a long hop to perish for 20 shortly after the break. Then came the collapse.
Cameron nicked out second ball to another innocuous delivery. Shortly thereafter, top-scoring Davies (52) was needlessly run out attempting a third run.
Souter, who had bowled tight leg spin without luck to this point, then proved his worth to the home side. He single-handedly sank Ashtead's hopes of victory, dismissing Ashtead's sixth, seventh and eighth batsmen in as many balls.
At 114 for 7, crumbling Ashtead turned their attention towards salvaging a draw. But with around 20 overs remaining and the momentum with Normandy, the damage was too great.
Despite a dogged stand by the Ashtead tail, Normandy comfortably secured their ten wickets and maximum points.
It was an innings to forget for the Stags. They will need to do just that if they are to bounce back against Cheam at Woodfield Lane this weekend.
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