Phoenix vs St Barnabas

Stapleford phoenix

Phoenix won by 20 runs

Our first fixture of the season ended in a comprehensive victory with every Phoenixer making a significant contribution. It was the first time we had beaten St Barnabas, who have plenty of useful players.
Gareth won the toss (yay/phew given the amount of available light) and we batted first (in sunshine).
Dave, Jeff and then Ralph all posted not out knocks with each hitting at least one 6. Aidan made 11, Damon somehow ran himself out for just one, Gareth made a brisk 19 and Bruce was not out at the end after Adrian tree-trunked the penultimate ball for a massive straight six.
Our total of 142 (not our highest ever but close) was defended with some lively bowling and even better fielding as the light faded (St Barnabas had earlier dropped three fairly straightforward catches).
Jeff and Stuart took a wicket apiece, Ralph took two including one with his first ball, Damon took a fine catch and Aidan ran someone out (literally).
The only downside of the evening was the constant evidence that out pitch is still far too variable with its bounce ie bloomin’ dangerous.

Phoenix

D Garman retired not out          25
J Wilson retired not out             27
A Swain b Morris                       11
D Rainsford run out                    1
R Minter retired not out             26
G Everson c? b Smith               19
B Cairnduff not out                      5
A Foster c&b Smith                      6
dnb J West, M Dobson, S Creed
Extras                                        22
Total (20 overs)                      142-4

St Barnabas

Will H c Rainsford b Wilson   18
Will W retired not out             25
G Howard b Wilson                 6
R Lewis run out (Swain)          0
A Smith not out                      23
J Morris b Minter                      6
A Swann c&b Minter                7
R Lea lbw Creed                      3
M Ledzion not out                    3
Extras                                     31
Total (20 overs)                 122-6

Phoenix bowling figures

West     4-0-20-0
Creed    4-0-19-1
Foster   2-0-22-0
Wilson   4-1-12-2
Dobson   3-0-18-0
R Minter 3-0-15-2