EYMET v. CATUS, Sunday 23rd May
Big runs made their appearance for the first time in 2010 as a spell of hot weather led to a faster wicket and outfield. Eymet amassed an impressive 262 against Catus in their 4th league game of the season.
Skipper Sam Harrell won an important toss in 31° heat. Mike Gear resumed the opener's roll in partnership with the form man, Simon Palmer. The scoreboard was soon ticking over nicely as Simon punished anything short. The 10-over drinks break beckoned and the banter was in full swing in the grandstand. In fact, no one was paying the slightest attention as Mike and Simon ambled towards an easy two byes. However, shock and consternation as Simon's bat freakily caught on the matting and he was caught inches short of the popping crease – run out for 45. Nigel Jones came in and both he and Mike made steady progress. After 20 overs Eymet reached 106. The bowling wasn't the most threatening of the season but credit to Derek Wonsfold who got through his 8-over spell at a cost of only 19 runs. His colleagues read more like basketball scores as Nigel brought an end to his run drought. Taking a page out of the Palmer book he deposited Catus over the ropes six times. By the 30-over mark Eymet had 183 and were well on course for full batting points. Nigel reached his ton and then soon dragged the ball onto his stumps in the 34th over off the promising youngster, B.Small (the only Catus to take a wicket). Meanwhile the stalwart Mike was holding the innings together. This allowed Big Tom Hinds to strut his stuff in the last five. Predictably the ball disappeared back over the bowler's head on a couple of occasions as Tom smacked an unbeaten 23. Mike credibly carried his bat for 58 not out – his first 50 since eye surgery.
All the players were revitalized by a delicious tea including homemade scones and cake, thanks to Mesdames Taylor, Harrell and Fabb.
Sam was keen to bank full bonus points and Vince Morgan and Nigel worked over the Catus openers. The breakthrough came in the 8th over. The very next ball 'Warney' Smith contrived a catch off a full toss (Tom Hinds) and Catus had slipped to 18 for 2 off 10. Although Warney didn't have his usual control he elicited sharp bounce and tempted Catus into further indiscretions. Catches followed for Vince and John Fabb. At 20 overs, Catus were on the brink at 61 for 4. A recovery of sorts was fashioned by K.Sutton (26) who spanked a couple into the grandstand. Andrew Graham then picked up a wicket as did John on his Eymet bowling debut. Fabb owed his wicket to sharp wits from keeper Sam as the batsman lifted his back foot for a nanosecond !
The openers were recalled to sweep away the Catus tail but Robson(19) and Cole (23 n.o.) resisted in vastly differing styles, Robson being lucky to get away with several slashes. Eymet huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the Catus house down. Simon held a sharp drive from Robson off Glyn Taylor in the 38th but Catus ended on 130 for 7 off their 40 overs. Hats off to them for not losing all ten.
Thanks to all concerned, particularly our sponsors, PIZZERIA DES ARCADES of Eymet, whose generosity allowed Eymet's players to celebrate their victory with a crate of Italian wine.
RESULT: EYMET WIN BY 132 RUNS
EYMET 262-2 off 40 overs (N.Jones 111, M.Gear 58 n.o.)
CATUS 130-7 off 40 overs (M.Smith 3-37)
EYMET: S.Harrell, S.Palmer, M.Gear, N.Jones, T.Hinds, J.Fabb, A.Graham, V.Morgan, G.Taylor, M.Smith, A.Coomb
