The Methodists’ first game of the new campaign saw them travel to sunny Horrington for their annual, friendly, season-opener.
The home side chose to bat first and had put on 27 by the seventh over, when the first man fell to a run-out. Josh Potter then quickly bagged a second, and the wickets continued to fall regularly until Jason De Lange (44) and Steve Abbott, coming together at 71 for 5, slowed the Methodists’ momentum. They added a handy 51 runs before a deceptive David Baker slower ball eventually ended Abbott’s useful innings, letting the visitors back into the game.
Craig Eyles’ spin again proved decisive as he, with the help of some magnificent catching in the outfield, secured the first five-fer of the year, as the remainder of Horrington’s wickets fell for just nineteen runs – the home team eventually posting a chaseable 141 all out.
At tea, a presentation was made by the Methodist’s Club Captain, Jim Eyles, of a contribution towards Horrington Cricket Club’s recent purchase of their home ground, Chapel Piece, and thanks were given to Kevin Russell and all who had helped to raise the necessary funds to achieve this club milestone.
After the break, the visitors’ run-chase began badly, with four batsmen dismissed within the initial eight overs.
Sam Vincent (3–24) did most of the early damage for the home side, but Meths ’keeper, Dave Sackett, fought back – adding 69 for the next two wickets in concert with David Baker and Craig Eyles respectively.
Eyles’ handy 38 kept the Methodists in the game but, still needing 31 from the last nine overs, it was De Lange and Mike Fear who made sure that Horrington clinched a narrow eight-run victory at the end of a terrific game of cricket.
Daniel Shearn