Artificial Intelligence

The Second XI were on the road for the first game of the 2016 season and despite the opposition having an artificial surface there was a real buzz of excitement as the team gathered on Saturday morning.

Having lost the toss and being asked to field first, Callum Lindsay, was the first into action with the new ball. Lindsay along with new captain Charles Fidler bowled well without the reward of the first wicket as the North Mymms opening pair reached 50 without loss. After a few half chances and near misses a change was required to make a breakthrough. A decision to bring some pace off the ball was vindicated as Harry Chapman picked up the first of his six wickets, trapping the batsman LBW. Thankfully, wickets fell regularly after that with Hayley Arrol claiming her first wickets for the club. The first an excellent catch on the boundary by Jack Fantham (I know, we were all surprised!) Hayley's second wicket was the result of an early contender for catch of the season as Andy Lerpiniere, fielding at cover, leapt high to his left to pluck a one handed diving effort. Truly spectacular. Due to the fact that North Mymms only had ten players only nine wickets were required and Callum Lindsay eventually picked up the last of them to bowl North Mymms out for 157.

With Nick Demarco opening with Andy Lerpiniere there was an element of confidence that the run chase would go well. However, after two overs and the score at 11-2 the mood began to change. Demarco (0) was adjudged LBW and Lerpiniere (6) snicked behind. Enter Sue Benson and Ronak Patel. Between them the runs started to flow and both looked comfortable at the crease. It was the best I had seen Ronak bat and it was disappointing to see it ended when attempting to cut a ball off leg stump. Jack Fantham was next to enter the dojo and again looked very good in the middle and was certainly not afraid to play his shots. Sadly though, one ball before the drinks break Fantham was bowled. However, another vital little partnership had almost completed the job. Callum Lindsay joined Sue and despite trying his best to get out stayed and hit the winning runs (or it might have been extras, there were 48 of them) and the game was won! Sue finished on 40 not out and was thoroughly deserving of a half-century, hopefully, one isn't far away. It was an excellent start to the season and roll on the next one.
Man of the Match: Harry Chapman
Moment of the Match: Andy Lerpiniere's catch
Dunce of the Day: Greg Pitcher for numerous offences including marking his run up in chalk and for swimming in the outfield.
Team: Nick Demarco, Andy Lerpiniere, Sue Benson, Ronak Patel, Jack Fantham, Callum Lindsay, Charles Fidler (C), Harry Chapman, Mick Debenham (WK), Greg Pitcher and Hayley Arrol.