Crusaders vs Chard

The Crusaders had their 2nd successive home game at the CSCG against a struggling Chard side. Skipper John Ponte remarkably won the toss and then even more remarkably broke the habit of a lifetime and opted to bat first on a sporting looking CSCG wicket.

For the 2nd successive Saturday Bruce Crosland and Jacob Arscott put on over 50 for the first wicket. Arscott in his usual manner hit a belligerent 38 followed by James Mumby chipping in with a nice 20, all the while Crosland was continuing merrily at his own pace when having reached 39 and with his teammates dreaming of seeing a maiden half century he was bowled trying to force the pace. Barry Jones came in and continued his fine form scoring an effortless 58 not out. In the last over John Ponte belted a straight 6 his first maximum in over 5 years. The innings closing on an impressive 221-6 off the full 40 overs.

In the continued absence of Liz and Len both teams settled down at teatime to enjoy a gastronomic feast courtesy of Bruce Crosland.

The Chard innings never got going due to some fine bowling by all the Crusader bowlers, opening batman Barnet carried his bat for 54 out of a total of 112 all out. Jack Damon 2-28, George Loker 2-32, Harry Phillips on debut 2-2 and John Ponte 1-30 all bowling beautifully to support the spell of fine bowling by Phil Batstone, who continued his good form with 3-18. During the fielding performance we all witnessed a miracle catch by Loker which summed up a good fielding performance.

A much deserved 109 run win.

Man of the Match – Barry Jones

John Ponte.