MATCH REPORT: Petersfield v Bransgore
Petersfield edge Bransgore in low scoring thriller
Petersfield once again managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in this exciting County Division 2 match at the Heath.
Winning the toss, Field captain Damian Carson took the bold decision to bat on a wet but drying wicket, the Heath miraculously fit for play after Friday’s biblical deluge.
(A small army of club volunteers, armed with forks, brushes and drying equipment, had turned up early at the ground expecting the worst. However they weren’t needed as the Heath showed off its recuperative powers after an estimated month’s worth of rain had fallen in just 24 hours.)
Carson’s decision looked like backfiring as Bransgore, belying its lowly league position, tore through the Petersfield top order.
Last week’s leading run scorers, Thomas and Broadhurst, were dismissed early and the wickets continued to tumble thanks to a combination of excellent bowling by Jones (2 wickets) and Fox (an eye-catching 5 for 19 off 10 overs), injudicious shot selection and a tricky wicket where the ball would frequently ‘stop’ in the pitch due to the damp conditions.
Dominic Carson looked to have played a lone hand in scoring 21 in an innings that at one point was tottering on the brink of disaster at 63 for 8.
Under-15 Ben Turk (21) dug in and started the fight back, which was continued by Simpson and Gumbe. However it was a vital last wicket partnership of 52 between Petersfield veteran Chris Wood (31*), on a welcome return to the First XI, and Stanley (19), that gave the Field total of 138 an element of respectability. The experienced pair were the only batsmen to really master the conditions, playing sensible cricket and giving Petersfield just the hint of a chance.
In reply, Bransgore were immediately under the cosh, losing Butcher caught behind to Turk for a duck. Stanley then bowled Rouse for 18, before Gumbe had Bratt sharply stumped by keeper Thomas for 8. At 48 for 6, Petersfield looked to have gained the upper hand but Jones (16), Fox (24) and Wright (18) fought hard and threatened to haul Bransgore right back into contention.
With the pressure mounting, it needed a special effort by skipper Carson to work through the tail, picking up the last four wickets, three of them bowled, to dismiss Bransgore for 113, giving Field victory by an unlikely 25-run margin. Stanley (3-32) and Gumbe (2-18) were excellent in support.
A great game of cricket played in fine spirit – if a little hard on the nerves of the Petersfield faithful – means Field hold onto third spot in the league. Next week the team travels to Easton & Martyr Worthy to continue its push for promotion.
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