Marlowe beat Pathway in a close run match
Thursday, 04th August 2011
In a recent charity cricket match, a combined team of Gloucester and St David’s staff and young people very narrowly beat a Pathway Care Team at the picturesque St Fagan’s near Cardiff. In the first of what hopefully will become an annual event, experienced and inexperienced cricketers alike contributed to a very successful and enjoyable day; raising several hundred pounds for the NSPCC in the process. With Glamorgan cricketer Chris Ashling as guest umpire, the day began with Pathway captain Huw Binding winning the toss and electing to bat. Despite the glorious sunshine, Pathway batsman never quite managed to impose themselves on some accurate Marlowe bowling. Excellent spells from Richard Bland, Ian Knight, Steve Beveridge and Ryan Conforti restricted the run rate, as did Marlowe’s skipper Steve Miller, who picked up some useful middle order wickets. Both Ursula Ali and Tamara also stepped up to contribute with the ball. Paul Berryman was tidy behind the stumps and an excellent fielding performance, ensured the run rate was kept down, with Tamara showing real talent in the outfield. The Pathway innings concluded with them having reached a modest 68 off their allotted 20 overs.
Perhaps as a consequence of over confidence, Marlowe’s turn at batting didn’t start well with wickets falling a little too quickly, almost from the outset. Despite some useful batting performances from inexperienced players Lucy V-Harwood, Amanda Andrews and Tamara, Marlowe contributed to their own down fall with several unnecessary run outs. Richard Bland and Steve Miller, having steadied the ship a little, both then got out in quick succession, before the job was done.
Several more wickets fell and with Marlowe still needing over 20 runs, the game looked surely lost after Tonia Hibberd was dismissed and No. 11 Ian Knight made his way to the crease. However, a partnership soon developed between Ian and Ryan Conforti, and the ball suddenly found its way to the boundary on a regular basis. Snatching a victory from the apparent jaws of defeat, Ian and Ryan were cheered on by the large group of spectators gathered in front of the pavilion as they hit the winning runs with two overs to spare.
After the game both teams and spectators settled down in the shade of the pavilion for a traditional cricket tea, and to debate the day’s highs and lows with teammates and opposition alike.
Marlowe beat Pathway in a close run match - Image gallery
