Match Report v OMT 15.9.12
This was our first visit to the new OMT ground at the school site.. and most impressive everything was. The pavilion/bar/pitch .. even carpets in the changing rooms.. but our hosts continued with the same hospitality of old and the time declaration match was played in a great atmosphere.
Having won the toss and elected to field , on a glorious late summer’s day , and on a batting paradise, it was up to Ivanhoe to bowl the opposition out. However after one early success OMT pressed on quickly till 2 wickets at the same score brought the to 86- 4. Ivanhoe could not capitalise on this breakthrough and a number of OMT batsmen came in and pushed quickly into the 40s, all being dismissed as their 50 approached. Christie and Woodcock toiled in the sun.. and kept the score in check and the batsmen alert… and each had to bowl rather more than the standard spell. Woodcock gained his reward with 3 wkts but Andy “I’m unlucky” Christie only gained the one. With opening bowler L Parnell joining the ranks of Baddeley on the physio’s couch, it was lucky that Evans came good with 3 wickets and Bass and the returning (to bowling) Hausler each claimed a victim. OMT declared on 234-9 after 44 oversand full credit must go to the fielders who stuck at it .. D. Bass’ 2 important catches taken nonchalantly; catches from Woodcock, a relieved P Parnell, an outstanding over the shoulder one from L Parnell and Evans.. and special mentions for C Parnell who was on fire in the field, and keeper Kenchington who kept well throughout, even though the ball came through at variable heights.
When Ives innings began , similar to the previous match, we found ourselves at 10-2 facing possible annihilation and at least a huge uphill task. Luckily Evans had put his dancing shoes aside and returned to the crease, still in batting form and he and Collins put on 94 to take Ives to 104 -3 and almost into the final 20 overs. After Evans’ fine 54, Collins innings stagnated .. and according to the scoreboard actually when into reverse.. but was eventually caught behind for 35. The rest of the innings was memorable for a huge Kenchington 6 , cameos from D Woodcock and from Christie, who after his long bowling spell found exhaustion affected his eyesight! and in particular from L Parnell (with runner) and C Woodcock who both contained themselves with sensible defense and still managed to reach double figures as they snuffed out the possibility of defeat with their unbroken 8th wicket stand, leaving Ives on 155-7 after 48 overs..
A good effort all round with resilience from the middle and lower batting order but a losing draw nevertheless to a good side. For victory we needed to be chasing a few less and to aim for a firmer base/launch pad from the top order. However, it should be remembered that in the field, options were limited by injuries (L Parnell, Hausler, Baddeley), and age ( L Parnell, Hausler.. well everyone really except the Woodcocks/Bass and C Parnell.)
Acting skipper Collins