Foxton Granta CC News story


KEALY IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

07 Jul 2013

TUCKER GARDNER PREMIER DIV. 1

Nassington 130 (32.5 overs)  Foxton 134-2 (21.3 overs)

On  the hottest day of the year to date with the mercury nudging 30c Foxton were disappointed to lose the toss in their home match against Nassington who had little hesitation in opting to bat on a very firm flat surface with another quick outfield. Visitors 'keeper Daniel Robinson along with skipper Alex Laud opened the innings facing the swing and pace of Andrew Kealy and Jeffery Douglas, but after a confident start Robinson (12), who had taken three boundaries from Kealy's first over, was caught at first slip by acting captain Adam Webster from the bowling of Douglas. Kealy then struck twice in his sixth over to leave Nassington on 38-3 after 11 overs. Laud remained, batting assuredly, and a fourth wicket stand of 40 with Daniel Bandaranaike advanced the visitors to 78-3 after 22 overs. Webster now bowling spin from the church end then trapped Bandaranaike (17) l.b.w. but a fifth wicket stand of 27 between Laud and Tom Norman raised Nassington's hopes of posting a competitive total. The former now on 49 after 89 balls including nine fours, then pushed forward uncertainly and was taken by a diving catch at short mid off by Mark Ferrari, another scalp for Webster. With the visitors effort now showing 105-5 after 28 overs the innings hung in the balance. The fireworks were about to begin as Kealy, returning for his second spell, in just another 2.5 overs blew away the visitors tail with another five wickets culminating in a hat-trick to close out the Nassington innings. Norman remained on 28 n.o. but another devastating performance by Kealy of 11.5-3-32-7 had the visitors back in the pavillion for a below par 130 from 32.5 overs. The Aussie swing bowler is now approaching 50 wickets with just half the season over.
Ten overs were now to be bowled before tea and Cei Sanderson, taking three boundaries from the first four balls off the spin of Reinhardt Swart, quickly dispersed any butterflies the home side might have felt. It was a surprise when he was bowled by Norman for 27 from the final ball before the break, but along with Henry Hunter they had given Foxton a firm foundation at 42-1. Upon resumption Hunter, with several splendid drives through the covers, was taking full advantage of the conditions, and along with Webster (18) and Chris Pepper (11 n.o.) they completed the task after just 21.3 overs. Hunter remained unbeaten on 58 from 72 balls including 11 fours. The 20 points gained now has Foxton fifth in the league.
The 2nd XI maintained their run of wins with a resounding 10 wicket success at Cambourne and remain top of their league.
Next week the 1st XI are at home to fourth placed Godmanchester whilst the II's visit Dullingham II.