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Despite the damp conditions the game started on time
to a huge roar from the Roasters supporters, the season at last in
full swing. Debutant Kieron Evans bowled by Gibson for just 8, 'Inspector'
Higgs following for the same score, 28-2.
An entertaining 103 run partnership then followed, Irish raider JJ
Walker and heavyweight open Ronnie Williams Jnr began slowly, then
gradually increased their rhythm as they began to penetrate the ring
and the boundaries began to flow.
Walker reached his first 50 of the season as he stroked his 6th four
before being caught cutting. Chris Crowle, another debutant was given
'out' caught behind, the umpire confessing he 'wasn't sure' as he
raised his finger! Adam Young went first ball, Colin Lee for 2, Skipper
Parish for a single, only Nigel 'Mountie' Dunstan with 21 offering
any lower order resistance as the innings came prematurely to an end
for 160.
Gulvals reply was steady, owed mainly to the tight opening bowling
from Young and Dunstan, Boyle trying repeatedly to smack Dunstan back
over his head, repeatedly failing and eventually bowled for 5. Nigel
always gets his man.
The score was taken up to 49 when Higgs had Nigel Cock removed, a
diving catch by the skipper no less, a rarer sight than an Andy Bonnett
round! Gaylard and Shane Eddy took the score to 90-2 before 'inspired
captaincy' (ahem!) brought a change of fortune, Eddy caught by Higgs,
Peters followed, bowled by Walker before the Irishman had Kev Gendall
LBW first ball. The hat trick ball was a beauty, Ryan Eddy right back
on his stumps as the ball rapped the pads. Not out! Somehow…..!
Gaylard was next to go, Williams taking a brilliant low catch behind
off Parish, who then bowled Barnes before JJ trapped Ray Eddy in front,
this time getting the decision. Doyle then took an amazing diving
catch to dismiss Ryan Eddy to complete a spell of 9-7 for the hosts,
Walker finishing off the innings 9 runs later bowling Steve Curnow
and ending a fine all round performance from the Gaelic prince.
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