Crusaders vs South Petherton

The Crusaders started the new season with a home game at the CSCG against a good South Petherton side.

Skipper John Ponte continued last season’s complete lack of ability to win a toss by again losing it and the Crusaders unsurprisingly were asked to bat. Bruce Crosland (10) and Jacob Arscott (46) got the innings off to an excellent start. Wickets fell at regular intervals……..Dan Parsons on debut for the club made an accomplished 13 and impressed all and Barry Jones 11………George Loker, Phil Batstone and John Ponte all scoring 10 towards the end of the innings to take the final total to 142-9 off our 40 overs which felt a tad under par…………

Tea was taken in glorious sunshine and both team feasted on the traditionally fantastic Liz and Len banquet………..

Chasing 142 South Petherton lost an early wicket to Phil Batstone courtesy of a super catch by the impressive Dan Parsons…….at the other end playing his first league game in over 10 years was Steve Nelson who bowled with great pace in the early part of his spell and in his last over picked up a deserved wicket, though at the end of his spell there was concern he may need oxygen or at least several pints of Thatchers !!!!! Replacing Batstone after his opening spell Mr Barry Jones bowled a very nice spell of slow bowling also picking up a deserved wicket.

In the end South Petherton comfortably got home making 143-3 to win a match that was despite the result was thoroughly enjoyable with both teams playing with great humour and in great spirit.

Man of the match – Jacob Arscott (but in his absence Steve Nelson taking a well earned drink)