Calypso Kerry crushes Cutthorpe
by Alan Rowley, 10th June 2007

Following the success of the 2006 visit to the Recreation Ground, 'the follow on' made a return trip to Cutthorpe on a hot and humid Friday afternoon. With work over for the week, it was time to relax with a beer, a chilli and a burger - oh, and there was some cricket to play.

With the usual drop-outs to contend with, captain Paul Bakel could finally put the stress of organising the game behind him as 'the follow on' managed to scrape together a side, thanks to Ashover Aussie Les Sandwith who was drafted in as a last minute replacement. The Cutthorpe side wasn't as strong as last year, so 'the follow on' went into the game as favourites.

Bakel won the toss and had no hesitation in asking Cutthorpe to take first knock and the decision looked to be the right one as Cutthorpe slumped to 9 for 4. First to fall was Michael Murray, caught by Dave Bush off Jon Branson for a duck. Michael Chambers removed Rob Plested, caught by skipper Bakel for a single and Branson struck again in his third over to send Spalton back to the pavilion for a single. Fourth to go was Billy Wilkinson, who became the first of two victims for James Sullivan, for a single.

A minor recovery took place afterwards as Simon Barlow was joined by John Combe and the two batsmen steered Cutthorpe on to 22 for 4 before Barlow was well caught by Chris Kerry, off Sullivan, for 13.

The introduction of the unorthodox looping deliveries of Chris Plant sparked another mini-collapse as the Clay Cross second teamer removed Lineker junior and John McCollum at a personal cost of only nine runs. Cutthorpe were now facing defeat and the teas were well over an hour away from being ready. Seven Cutthorpe batsmen were back in the pavilion with only 29 runs on the board.

Skipper Combe (pictured) set off on a one-man recovery mission as he attempted to get his side out of a very deep chasm. His 75 ball unbeaten fifty took Cutthorpe to three figures and a total that would, at least, ensure some sort of game. Combe's fifty included 6 fours and 2 sixes.

The mature Jim Lineker added a quick 14 runs at the death before he fell leg before to Kerry for 14 as Cutthorpe were all out for exactly 100 in 31.1 overs. Sullivan, Branson and Plant all picked up two wickets for the visitors.

After tucking into chilli, curry and jacket potatoes for tea, as well as the customary profiteroles, 'the follow on' batsmen took to the field with a small target to chase. Despite losing Darren Parkin for a duck, Kerry and Paul Bakel raced towards the small target.

Kerry was particularly destructive hitting 7 fours and 3 sixes in a magnificent unbeaten 61. Bakel was a little less sedate than usual hitting 29 not out at over a run a ball as 'the follow on' reached their target off just 14.2 overs.

With the game finishing early, the two teams decided on a Twenty20 game and this one was a little closer. 'the follow on' batted first and scored 123 for the loss of nine wickets. Les Sandwith top scored with 22 with Darren Parkin hitting a quick unbeaten 19 late on. Kerry (pictured) added to his first game heroics with another 10 runs.

'the follow on' regulars John Combe (3 for 22) and John McCollum (3 for 21) were pick of the bowlers for Cutthorpe.

In reply, Cutthorpe managed 107 for the loss of 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Pick of the batsmen were Billy Wilkinson, who hit 33 not out, and McCollum who also hit 33.

The star bowler for 'the follow on' was undoubtably Darren Parkin who picked up three wickets from his first over, finishing with figures of 3 for 14 from two overs. Les Sandwith grabbed a couple of wickets at a cost of only four runs from his two overs.

Yet another great day out at Cutthorpe which was enjoyed by all the players. We can't close this report without offering our thanks to all at the club, especially John McCollum who worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure the game was a success. Many thanks too to all who helped behind the bar and on the barbeque.

Scorecard (40 overs) | Scorecard (20 overs) | 'the follow on' averages