vx3 cup report - no 3
The 1st XI played host to the already qualified, Paignton CC 1st XI, in the re-arranged fixture – the World Cup seems a distant memory. The Paignton side contained Neil Hancock formerly of this parish but still going strong after 30 years and his son Ethan.
Unfortunately, only one of the appointed umpires turned up. As a club we can only hope that Matt Beasant formerly of this parish is OK.
TKCC won the toss on a dark evening and decided to field. Paignton’s total of 202 for 4 in 20 overs was mainly thanks to their overseas, Ayabulela Gqamana, who scored 106 not out off just 47 balls. The best of the TKCC bowlers was skipper< Harry Baxendale, with 2 for 14. However, despite the carnage both Baxendale and Luke Glasson both had overs which went for only 1 run – no doubt the latter will remind others of this this.
In reply, TKCC got off to a disastrous start, with Dan Western being out for a Royal Duck. With the light failing (ironically by this time Martin Powell who umpired the infamous Brockman Cup match last year was watching from the boundary), several TKCC batters got starts including Josh Thompson – the result of one of his sixes nearly saw the de-fib in action! The fall was flying towards the Hatch – giving Katie and Vanessa the fright of their lives. Fortunately, it bounced on the roof! Actually, at this point thanks must be given to some of the Paignton CC youngsters who are clearly trained Ball Retrievers – Josh’s six was retrieved from the bank the far side of the stream. With the light failing and shock of all horrors, rain in the air, Colin Shute the sole umpire abandoned the match after 16 overs with TKCC 147 for 7 - Paignton winning on DLS by 17 runs. Like father like son the best of Paignton bowlers was Ethan Hancock with 2 for 19.
A big thank you must go to Phil Sturman for once again standing in for Evo who having to face up to the reality of his run of DCL matches coming to an end before the end of the season due to his ongoing life changing personal issue – only Vanessa Western stopped him from admitting defeat tonight.
This match wasn’t the end of the story for the season – there is the small matter of a 3rd / 4th Place Play Off on the morning of Sunday 16th August at Paignton CC when TKCC will play Barton CC 1st XI. This might well pose a problem for the club – no scorers. Phil is definitely unavailable and Evo is 50/50 at best,
On the conclusion of the VX3 Cup. Evo will be holding an amnesty regarding pink match balls in kit bags.