1st XI away to Knowle

Hard fought win for the Deane

Taunton Deane 1st XI travelled to Knowle on Saturday in what was expected to be a tough match.

With severe thunderstorms over night, the toss was going to be important as both sides wanted to bowl first on what was going to be a difficult batting track. The coin came down correctly for Knowle, and the Deane were put in.

From the first over, it was clear to see that things were not going to be easy. Openers Sam Underdown and Jack Fraser set about their work with diligence and patience. Excellent shot selection and a scrap for every run attitude saw the score steadily creep up. Both batsmen looked to put pressure on the fielders with excellent running between the wickets. What resulted was a match winning opening partnership of 73 which unfortunately ended when Fraser was caught at gully for 24.

Underdown soon followed for an outstanding 44 in the conditions, and the Knowle bowlers began to get them back into the game. Good contributions from Calvin Harrison(30) and Russell Jones(21) kept the scoreboard ticking over. However, no other Deane batsman reached double figures, and they were bowled out in the final over for 187, which given conditions, was an excellent effort.

The Deane bowling innings got off to a great start as Rob Pryke struck in the third over which was well taken by Sam Underdown. Matt Derham returning to the team after injury was outstanding at the other end, and while a partnership was developing, the two bowlers continued to create chances.

Derham struck in the 14th over and 2 quick wickets to Ed Mellor saw Knowle at 4-74, and the game was in the balance as the wicket began to improve. An excellent partnership ensued, and Knowle were in control at 4-130.

After trying various bowling changes, the reintroduction of Pryke the game blown open as he produced an unplayable ball. What followed can only be described as a remarkable collapse, as the Deane bowlers ripped through the middle and lower order seeing Knowle lose their last 6 wickets for only 26 runs. Derham(2-22) and Ed Mellor(4-26) were the pick of the bowlers. Knowle were dismissed for 157, giving the Deane an excellent and hard fought victory.