Match Reports
April 19th 2008
Penkridge's season got off to a stuttering start during the first round of games last weekend. In appalling weather conditions the 1st XI tackled Hammerwich at Pillaton and managed to post a very respectable first innings score of 180-4 from their allotted 50 overs. Prolific Ben Holmes proved the mainstay of the home side's innings with 94 not out, which would have been worth considerably more on a better pitch and drier outfield. Ian Brown returned from injury to record a solid 35, and Chad Clarke upped the run rate towards the end of the innings with a cameo 37, including 2 sixes. In reply, Penkridge battled manfully with the cold conditions but did themselves no favours, dropping three catches, and showing some early season ill discipline with the ball. Jon Price and Steve Setterfield bowled with control to check Hammerwich's reply, but they had enough ability lower down the order to reach their target 7 wickets down in the 47th over.
The second XI did not fare much better in the reverse fixture at Hammerwich, going down by 7 wickets, and the only team to produce a positive result were the 3rd XI who christened their new ground with a winning draw against Bloxwich. Penkridge batted first and posted 124-7, with newcomer Shafiq Mohammed and veteran campaigner Rob Lawrence each contributing 23. A tight bowling and fielding display in the second half of the game saw Bloxwich cling on for a losing draw, at 116-9 from 48 overs.
The Staffs Cup fixture on Sunday was washed out and it will be replayed this Sunday at Pillaton against Bignall End. This Saturday, the 1st XI travel to Old Wulfs, while The 2nd host the same opposition at Pillaton. The 3rd XI will play away at Hammerwich.
April 26th 2008
P
enkridge 1st XI notched up their first victory of the 2008 campaign with a solid win over recently relegated Old Wulfs. Batting first, Old Wulfs were cruising towards an imposing total at 140-4 from 35 overs, but the introduction of part-time spinner Alex Watson dramatically checked the OW innings. He claimed two wickets in his first over, finishing with figures of 3-18. Steve Setterfield again bowled with great control to tie up the other end, returning figures of 3-46 from 18 overs, as Old Wulfs were bowled out for 180. In reply, Alex Watson backed up his sterling work with the ball with a solid 28, and other notable contributions from Ronnie Quayuum (69), Chad Clarke (35) and Shafiq Mohammed (28) saw Penkridge home comfortably for the loss of just 5 wickets in the 41st over.The second XI bowled themselves into a strong position against the same opposition, limiting Old Wulfs to 146-7 from their 50 overs. Skipper Richard James led the way with 4-57 from 17 overs, but the team managed to scupper their hard work as they collapsed to 28-6 in reply. James Howard (25) and Martyn Rylance (20) were the only batsmen to demonstrate any application, and the team were bowled out for just 100.
The third XI meanwhile also claimed their first league win, defeating Hammerwich by 5 wickets. A fiery spell of 5-18 from A.Sadaq helped shoot out Hammerwich for a paltry 70, and his brother S.Sadaq got in on the act with 46 not out in Penkridge's reply as they eased towards their victory target.
Sunday saw a bowl-off decide the Staffs Cup game against Bignall End at Pillaton. The visitors had completed their innings but a cloudburst at tea saw the pitch flooded, and despite efforts to clear the water the game had to be abandoned. Penkridge triumphed in the resulting bowl-off 5-4 and progress through to the second round in which they will play Stafford on May 11th.
This Saturday sees the first XI host Pelsall, while the second XI travel to face the same opposition. The 3rd XI host table toppers Penn.
May 3rd 2008
An impressive all round team performance saw Penkridge 1st XI take the lion's share of the points in their game against title contenders Pelsall on Saturday. Penkridge lost the toss and were asked to bat first, and openers Ben Holmes (28) and Alex Watson (36) gave the home side a solid platform. Their hard work against the new ball was followed up by some solid middle order contributions, notably from Ronnie Hassan (28) and Ian Brown (31), which gave Penkridge a final total of 191-7 from their 50 overs - a commendable effort given the seam-friendly conditions of the pitch. In reply, a spilled chance early doors allowed Pelsall skipper Paul Grainger to look dangerous as Pelsall inched towards their target. The introduction of Ian Brown into the attack, however, swung the game in Penkridge's favour and he was admirably supported by Steve Setterfield who conceded just 28 runs from his 12 overs. Brown returned figures of 6-46 from 18 overs as Pelsall fell agonisingly short in an entertaining game, closing their innings on 185-8. In the reverse fixture, the second team found it hard going at Pelsall. Skipper Rich James once again starred with the ball claiming 5 Pelsall wickets as they were bowled out for 181. In reply, the Penkridge batting line up failed again with Shafiq Mohammed's classy 63 the only real resistance to the Pelsall attack as Penkridge had to settle for the losing draw, closing on 131-8. In contrast, the third XI maintained their unbeaten start to the season as they trounced table toppers Penn. Promising junior player Tom Morris completed his first half century for the club, and with Shab Sadaq (32) and Rob Lawrence (22) chipping in, Penkridge amassed 201-6 declared in the first innings of the game. A really tight bowling and fielding display followed - Ali Sadaq grabbed three wickets and Ant Hartwell a couple as Penn were skittled for just 61.
This weekend sees Swindon travel to Pillaton to take on Penkridge 1st XI, while the second XI travel to take on the same opposition. The 3rd XI will look to maintain their unbeaten start as they host Smethwick. On Sunday, Penkridge will play Stafford away in the second round of the Staffs Cup.