Palm tree do double as specials collapse

For the second time this season the Specials were outdone by a one man batting performance. This time it was Palm Tree's Stockhill who scored 116 not out in a very controlled manner against the Specials.

Put into bat by a much changed and even stronger Palm Tree side, from four weeks earlier, with new Aussies recruited to their team, Specials slumped from a position of strength 149 for 4 to 162 all out due to some poor batting by the lower middle order and tail.

Stroud (9) Herlihy (24) and McGowan (21) had given Specials a reasonable start against a very strong Palm tree attack led by Ewart and King. Keeper Woods and Ewart combining three times including the dismissal of De Silva. Herlihy was adjudged lbw to Stockhill. Cotsen and Medlock rebuilt the innings putting on 64 before both were out slogging needlessly for 45 and 35 respectively. The rest of the team collapsed feebly- Golding,Vassey, Naisbitt Steinbach and Jani failing the test of their technique and character. Russell being a key beneficiary with 3 wickets and King deservedly picking up 3 wickets.

This total was about 40 runs too light. The Cat and Chris Steinbach bowled very well and the Cat nibbled away at Palm Tree whose batting apart from Stockhill looked average. The dangerous Clinos was removed for 9. Woods threw the bat and was unlucky to hit wicket for 19 but should have been out for 0 but Tony said the son was in his eyes and didn't go for a dolly. Despite some good fielding, two excellent catches from Cotsen and Golding, Stockhill guided Palm tree home by 4 wickets. Cattell bowling 16 overs and took 5 for 56.

Another defeat for the out of form Specials.