Sundowners thrashed by impressive Gardeners

The Specials faced new opposition in the form of Gardeners CC on a brutally hot day at Calthorpe's ground. Again it was a severely weakened Specials Team minus Cattell, Pilgrim, McGowan, Vassay and Moore that took to the field. And thanks to Ned, who managed to get two mates to play at short notice after Boggia cried off, stranded in Watford, and Cosgrove had some filing to do.

Stand in 'tosser' Jani called correctly and Tony elected to bat. Gardeners openers Johnstone and Aked were useful and Herlihy was out early following a very fine nick off Johnstone to the keeper. Opening partner De Silva was batting well but Specials were in trouble when Ned was bowled for 4 by Aked and Tony who was looking in good nick received a terrible lbw decision which only the bowler half heartedly appealed for.

Cedric and Jani against tight bowling took the score to 87 before Jani was bowled. Wickets continued to fall including those of new boys Harjit and Pal, the latter comically run out. Cotsen was trapped lbw and Chris Steinbach was then caught on the boundary. In the end following an ugly hoik from Mark we were bowled out for 131 - about a hundred too short as the outfield was fast.

After a spicy Calthorpe tea Gardners soon got into their stride with their very impressive keeper Richards hitting the boundary every over - although he did give a very sharp chance to Naisbitt in the gully.

Eventually Steinbach got the break through getting him lbw for 40 before Tony trapped Nisbett lbw for 21. Both Ned and Medlock bowled well but Gardeners eased home and fully deserved their eight wicket win. The Specials contributing 27 extras did not help.

All in all not much of a contest and the better team won.

© Mike Herlihy 2006