EYMET 'v' ANGOULEME 17 June 2007

Angouleme claimed a tense victory in the return match, played in good spirits but in very gloomy weather again. On winning the toss the visitors asked Eymet to bat first. In damp conditions the home side started slowly against the opening bowlers. Martin Smith nicked a fine outswinger to the keeper early on, but then the innings was steadied by David and Harvey in a partnership of 40. The bowling introduction of Captain Rob Howard put the pressure back on Eymet as he yorked Harvey, and conceded only 15 runs in his 8 over spell. David was LBW for a dogged 49 and run scoring became very difficult against the seamers. Bill chipped in with 12, but the rest of the middle order struggled. It was left to Simon Colversen and Mike Chesterman (lured out of retirement at the previous night's barbecue) to carry the total over the 100, closing at 117-7, about 30 runs short of a challenging total.

After the usual sumptuous tea, organised by John and Trisha, Angouleme started their reply nervously, with a yes-no-sorry run out. Steady bowling from Paul and Alan Combe prevented Angouleme's big hitters from cutting loose. Harvey fired in a tidy spell of 2 for 23, and Paul returned to hit the stumps twice and leave the game in the balance at 73- 5. Howard now came to the rescue of his team with the bat, crafting a well made 41. Eymet rang the changes, but couldn't force a breakthrough, even hitting the stumps without dislodging the bails! Howard eventually fell to a good catch on the boundary with only 3 needed. The remaining batsmen just saw Angouleme home. In a low scoring game it was more than disappointing that we managed to concede 29 extras!
DH.

Eymet 117-7 off 40 overs.
Horlock 49. Larter 3-23 off 8; Saeed 2-29 off 8.
Angoulême 118-6 in 28 overs.
Howard 41. Benwell 2-23 off 8; Martin 2-33 off 8.
Angoulême (25 points) win. Eymet 2 bowling points.