After the longest delay to a seasons start since way back in 2020 the Condover 2nds finally got their 2021 season underway against Shifnal 4ths with a team made up of a mixture of experienced (old) players and energetic youth with the aim of getting off to a winning start.
The ground looked a treat and the pitch was picture perfect with a good covering of grass and a bit of moisture just below the surface. The Condover captain made the decision to win the toss and bowl first. Anyway after loosing the toss the Shifnal captain ask Condover to have a bat.
The opening pair of Andy Brooks & Graham Geary faced two fine young opening bowlers however managed to get off to a steady start before Geary was bowled by a ball the seamed from outside the off stump to hit the middle. With the fall of the first wicket Richard Gilbert strode to crease to prove that number 3 was his natural batting position. Rich made a quick start by taking a quick single off the first ball he faced and in the process managed to pull a muscle in his leg which reduced his ability to run so had to score most of his 80 runs in boundaries.
After drinks a steady flow of wickets fell and Condover finished their 40 overs with a respectable 9-183.
Shifnal’s reply got off to a slow start against some aggressive, tight opening bowling by Thomas & Graeme Hughes. In the 5th over Thomas broke through for Condover with a superb outswinger which was easily taken by Andy Brooks behind the stumps.
Shifnal picked up the run rate mainly due to a big hitting number 3 and started to believe they had a chance. Matt Brooks was asked to come on to bowl and within 3 balls had taken the top of middle removing the batsman causing all the trouble. Matt continued to bowl a very tight line and length with Anthony Smith steaming in from the other end with lovely swing bowling and was rewarded with a wicket. Zoe Griffiths & Leon K also deserve credit for keeping the runs down with accurate slow bowling.
Shifnal ended their innings on 6-136 giving Condover a 47 run victory.
A great start to the season.
