Neyland Match Report

Narberth vs Neyland. League, Saturday 26th June 2010. Umpires: Trevor Evans & Richard Merriman.
Saturday 26th June saw the start to the second half of the season, one where the Division one table had begun to make interesting reading, with regular high fliers Cresselly and Haverfordwest sitting in fourth and fifth places respectively, with Neyland and Narberth occupying second and third. The fixture between Neyland and Narberth being the most attractive fixture of the afternoon with both teams eager to succeed and consolidate their position near the top of the table. Neyland were particularly keen to bounce back from a somewhat surprise (albeit comprehensive) defeat at the hands of Whitland the previous week, to stay in touch with leaders Carew and also to make amends for the earlier fixture where they felt Narberth were lucky to escape with a draw. Narberth on the other hand were looking to leapfrog their opponents into second place, and to continue their recent good run of form, having comprehensively beaten both Haverfordwest and Cresselly in the previous 2 weeks.
The Narberth ground looked in great shape after the recent dry spell, the wicket rather unusually firm, and the outfield short and fast; this had the making of being a very high scoring tussle, and the daunting prospect of chasing leather on a hot afternoon. Regular tosser Gregg Miller, having successfully won the previous 4 tosses, each time with the outcome of “heads” already told Shannon on the trip that a change was due and that “tails” would be the order of the day – needless to say, that somewhat irrational theory proved to be wrong and Narberth duly elected to field; a somewhat strange decision considering they had 2 players that hadn’t yet arrived and that they amassed a huge 279 batting first the previous week.
Our regular opening duo of Paul Murray and Sean Hannon aka Minty and Shannon strode to the crease looking confident as Ben Hughes (having recently returned from injury) took the new cherry. Minty adopted his usual cautious approach, this weeks’ “sighter” being a first ball smashed through covers and into the wall, bringing rye smiles to the faces of his teammates. The first over of the day costing an expensive 14 runs, and a few Narberth heads already showing signs of concern. Opening the other end for Narberth was Ben Quartermaine (a bowler in good form, having bowled good spells against us in both this seasons previous encounters); the only scoring shot of the over a delightfully guided shot for four down to third man by Shannon.
By now Narberth had reached a full compliment, the players allegedly delayed by a broken down train. Minty and Shannon found runs a little harder to come by now, with both bowlers extracting a little movement in the air and from the pitch, but progressed the score to 30 for no wicket after 8 overs, a satisfying position having lost the toss against strong opposition. Minty again decided to take the attack to the opposition, smashing ten runs from the next three deliveries, before playing an out-of-character chip shot, straight to the hands of Richie Adams at extra cover, the entire Narberth team evidently delighted at the prize scalp of arguably the first divisions in-form batsman.
Shannon was now joined at the crease by skipper Andrew Miller aka “Windy”, the score evenly balanced at 40 for 1 approaching the end of the ninth over. Both batsmen looked to consolidate their position, solid in defence but eager to pounce on anything loose, the eleventh over proving very productive with a quality Miller drive giving the “old man” of the side a rare three, Shannon merely trotting between the wickets to show relative parity in the pace department; a blunder from the young Narberth keeper yielding 4 byes, the over costing 11. Neyland were now looking healthily placed on 53 for 1 after 11 overs. The thirteenth over saw a surprise, relatively early introduction of spin to the Narberth attack, Matthew Johns replacing Ben Hughes at the rugby ground end, the latter having conceding 35 runs from his first spell despite having claimed the prize scalp of Minty. This change brought about a reduction in the scoring rate, Johns bowling with good flight and Quartermaine regularly bowling good lines; both batsmen were looking comfortable, however a little unlucky to find fielders with the majority of their attacking shots. The midway point of the innings was reached and we stood at 70 for 1 wicket, the previous 10 overs having yielded a mere 16 runs. At this point, the innings finely balanced, the score a little lower than we might have hoped but with both batsmen now set and wickets in hand, giving us every chance of achieving a sizeable, defendable score.
The next 2 overs saw us progress to 76 runs, and Ben Quartermaine complete what had been a good spell of bowling, his 12 overs costing a miserly 23 runs, and perhaps a little unlucky to remain wicketless. Nevertheless he had done a great job for his team in restricting Neylands free-scoring batsmen to only 2 runs an over from his end. Cue the introduction of Division ones very own Mr. Angry, Kyle Quartermaine, known to his fellow posse members as “Kylo!” as the town Fire Station required the services of Matthew johns. Change of bowlers now from both ends as Narberth’s very own veteran Ian Hughes replaced Ben Quartermaine with his canny slow stuff from the short end, the houses looking inviting behind him; Minty kicking the ground in frustration on the sidelines, knowing there could well have been new tiles required had he still been at the crease, but missing the chance to add to his tally at the top of Neylands “sixes” league!!!
The tempo of the innings now started to increase a little with both batsmen looking increasingly confident, milking singles with relative ease, and with Shannon hitting two consecutive Hughes deliveries for 2 and 4, increasing his personal tally to a rate of more than a run a ball (sorry, run per over!), something the charismatic opener was heard “bragging” about in the bar during the interval. Miller was now looking like the true quality batsman he has been knows as for quite some time on the county circuit, treating good balls with respect, and always looking to pounce on any loose deliveries. The score moved nicely on to 93 in the 30th over when the Hughes Quartermaine duo both had a significant impact on the Neyland innings, reducing us from 93 for 1 to 98 for 4: First to go was skipper Miller, attempting to cut a Hughes delivery, succeeding only in an under-edge through to keeper Lloyd, having compiled a solid 20 but departing just when he was looking to cut loose. Next over and Kyle removes the stubborn Shannon, comprehensively bowled, and duly given something of a send-off by the mild mannered young all-rounder (surprisingly a relatively quiet one this time, the heat of the day evidently hampering his ability to “sledge” quite as vigorously as is usually the case).With two new batsmen now at the crease, and Narberth really looking to tighten their grip on the innings, the pressure started to mount. Worse was to follow as Gregg, eager to get off the mark, guided a Hughes delivery to the off side, Koomen a little slow out of the blocks and almost run out. Unfortunately Nick was unable to benefit from that close call on this occasion, adjudged L.B.W to Ian Hughes very next ball, to his evident disappointment having felt confident that he’d got a little bat on it.
“Cometh the hour, cometh the man”, as in strides our very own Captain sensible, the effervescent “baby miller”, always keen to build an innings, take his time to settle in, and then show his brothers how to clear the ropes. Gregg approached Paul with the advice that there’s very little turn from Hughes’ end, but that Kyle is swinging the ball in a long way! Ever the joker in the pack, Paul responded with “we’ll have to swing him over the ropes then bro!” much to Greggs amusement, leaving him dreading what outrageous shots might come out of the locker this time. With 32 overs already gone, and us still just short of the hundred mark, we would have to increase the tempo from here in order to reach a respectable score. Having taken a lengthy 2 deliveries to get off the mark, Paul acknowledges he’s a little slow by his standards, that he’s had more than enough time to get his sights set, and promptly advances down the wicket to launch Kyle’s next delivery well into the rugby field for a mighty maximum, to the evident delight of the Neyland contingent, the bowler bemused and only able to muster a wry smile...... 12 overs to go, Nelson arrives, 111 for 4. The most productive stand of the innings was underway, Gregg playing the slightly more cautious role, Paul keen to attack wherever possible. Paul had immediately sent the Narberth inner fielders back on their heels and both batsman now looked to take advantage with any opportunity for a quick single. The 40th over produced ten runs and saw the end of Ian Hughes, Gregg launching him over the square leg boundary and into the garden for a maximum as he advanced to 24. The score stood at 158 in the 41st over when Paul went for one big shot too many, skying a Quartermaine delivery for the bowler to exact some revenge taking a good return catch, much to the relief of the Narberth contingent. Baby Miller was on his way, after a quick-fire 30, including a 6, four 4’s and a very rare 3 for the heaviest Miller brother. He left the field to rapturous applause from his team mates after an invaluable innings, maximum batting points achieved and the prospect of a total in excess of 180. Gregg stood at 24 not out as in-form Patrick Bellerby casually strode to the crease. Bellerby immediately looked in good touch, driving his first delivery through the offside for 2, then producing an even better shot for a boundary just moments later. Gregg was by now increasing the momentum, hitting consecutive boundaries from Ben Hughes. Next to go was Bellerby, aiming for the houses but unfortunately holing out to Kyle Quartermaine at long off in the late quest for runs. Last over, 192 for 6 Alex Kemp to face Quartermaine, could we get to 200? A delightful drive from Kemp well fielded on the long on boundary, just a single. Trying to emulate baby miller and deposit one into the rugby field, Gregg failed to pick a slower ball.... stumps rearranged. No send off this time, but a rare compliment from the whole-hearted bowler, much to Gregg’s amazement. Gregg left to an appreciative applause for his 49, containing a 6 and five 4’s. Neylands very own Mr modest and self-proclaimed “best number 9 in the county” Patrick Hannon joins Kemp for the final deliveries..... And promptly blazes a boundary....... up the order soon perhaps? Another “not out” for Patrick as his season league average assumes ridiculously high proportions, for a “tail-ender!” as our innings closes on a healthy 197-7.

After a relaxing tea and some respite from the blazing sun, we headed out to the field in good spirits, but aware that a tight start and early wickets were vital in order to win the match. Opening the bowling were Henry Durrant and Patrick Hannon, and opening the Narberth reply were A. Williams and C. Lloyd (promoted to open in the absence of Ian Hughes, who sustained an arm injury).
Patrick was into his rhythm early on, focusing on a tight off-stump to the nervous young Lloyd, his opening over conceding one run, from a wide delivery that apparently “swung loads”. Henry, a firm believer that bowlers should operate and create pressure “in tandem” duly obliged with a similar wide delivery from his first over, and Williams opened his account with a leg glance to fine leg for 4. Next over saw the familiar sight of a Hannon maiden, then better was to come for us as Henry Durrant made the breakthrough in the fourth, getting one through the defences of young Lloyd, comprehensively bowled without troubling the scorers, and also nearly removing Williams as a nervy shot spooned just over the head of Murray at short extra cover. In strode last weeks’ centurion Kyle Quartermaine, evidently confident and relishing the opportunity to bat on this firm surface. Hannon again struggled to control the swing of the new cherry, bowling his second wide of the afternoon, but also beating Williams’ outside edge on a few occasions; the batsman deciding that the scoring area was behind square on the off side where we had positioned four fielders in anticipation. Narberth’s reply gained a little momentum from Durant’s next over, the young bowler conceding 2 wides and a boundary, aided by 4 leg byes to the vacant fine leg region. The score now stood at 20 for 1 after 6 overs, with Quartermaine looking to attack wherever possible, and Williams now targeting a second scoring area at fine leg. Hannon and Durrant continued to bowl good lines without much luck for the next 9 overs, Quartermaine dispatching the rare bad delivery to the fence, Williams riding his luck to some degree but proving very difficult to budge. The next and 16th over of the innings saw the removal of Durrant from the attack (his seven over spell a little unlucky to concede 33 runs with just the solitary success), and the introduction of skipper Andrew “windy” Miller to the fray. The eagerly awaited battle between the two good friends was to commence, mutual respect apparent from the outset. A huge blow for Narberth from Windys very first delivery, as a cleverly disguised short delivery caught Kyle unaware and he promptly picked out Paul “buckets” Murray on the fence at square leg, to the delight of our entire team..... The danger man had gone, still 144 to win! Next to the crease Narberth skipper Richie Adams in at number 4 and with a captains knock required.
The next 5 overs produced 18 runs, Hannon conceding another 2 wides and 2 boundaries, yet still managing to beat Williams without any success. Narberth’s reply now stood at 72 for 2 off 21 overs, behind the required rate but with plenty of batting to come, game on! Having struggled to deal with Millers slow stuff from the outset, opener Williams was next to go, getting stuck on the crease and struck on the pad, a simple L.B.W decision for umpire Trevor Evans. Williams had made a valuable contribution of 31, which eventually proved to be the top score in the Narberth innings. Mike Scale now joined skipper Adams at the crease, in what could be the decisive partnership, two quality batsmen looking to take their side home. Adams looked to adopt the anchor role, picking up a string of singles, whereas Scale looked to be the aggressor, seeking to punish anything loose. Patrick Hannon completed his 12 over spell, having conceded 33 runs but with a rare blank in the wickets column; the bowling had deserved better, but the economy had put us in a god position with Narberth now needing to increase the run rate significantly to challenge our 197.
Spin from both ends now as our very own veteran Gary “Gaj” Lloyd entered the attack from the rugby ground end, appearing a little bemused by his skipper giving him the larger boundary this week. Both bowlers now looked to increase the pressure on the opposing batsman, backed up by some good fielding in particular in the ring by Alex Kemp and Nick Koomen. Scale was now looking to attack increasingly, hitting Miller for 2 boundaries from the 28th over, so that Narberth had reached 98 for 3 at this stage. At the same stage we stood at 88 for 1, and so were well aware that the next few overs were crucial in the outcome of this game.
A big turning point came in the 30th over with the removal of the dangerous Scale; after surviving a very difficult caught and bowled chance from the second ball, an even tougher chance at mid wicket (to Alex Kemp) third ball, the signs were ominous, until the next delivery. Three catches in three balls, as this time Nick Koomen obliged in holding on to a well hit ball at mid wicket. Big John Davies in at number six, unlikely to be thinking about the draw. Skipper Miller saw to it that he didn’t stay around too long to pose a threat, a slightly quicker ball beating his defences, clean bowled for 10. Opposing skipper Adams was now looking clearly concerned and the signs for his team ominous.
Gaj finally got some reward for his persistence, Dan Hughes crashing a drive straight back, the bowler taking a difficult one handed catch with consummate ease; a cheeky smile and a mention to his skipper to “protect your spinning fingers while catching” greeted with a chuckle. Skipper Miller immediately responded with the prize scalp of his Narberth counterpart in the very next over clean bowled again, to leave “Windy” with very respectable figures of 12 overs 5 for 29 completing a great spell of slow bowling.
After 36 overs Narberth’s reply stood at 118 for 7, still a massive 80 runs short of victory as the two Bens (Hughes and Quartermaine) joined forces at the crease. The two played a good hand for Narberth in ensuring the draw, Quartermaine in particular defying his number 9 slot with solid defence and some attacking shots, possibly challenging a certain Neyland man for the “best number 9” claim in the process. Nick Koomen replaced Miller for 3 overs from the house end, but despite some good deliveries was unable to penetrate the defences on this occasion.
True to the Neyland fighting spirit of late, we stuck at the task in hand and Gaj was rewarded in the very last over, tempting Ben Hughes into a big shot, deceiving him with the flight and Sean Hannon doing the rest to give the veteran figures of 2 for 33 from his 11 overs, and importantly ensuring us our fourth bowling point for the afternoon. The Narberth innings came to a close on 150 for 8 after 45 overs. After having lost the toss and being invited to bat by a talented Narberth side, Windy and his men were relatively satisfied with their 21 points from the afternoons play, successfully consolidating our position in second place in Division 1 as a result.