Gale thumps 150!

On a bright and warm morning the 2nds prepared themselves for their first game of 2018 at Pixham. After the great escape in Croydon the week before (due to rain) the 2’s we’re keen to get life in div 2 back on track with Woking and Horsell the opposition.

With captain Homewood away it was Quinn to took the reins and won the toss and elected to have a bat. Overton and Cox opened up and it was soon apparent that Overton was in one of his destructive moods. 20-1 with Cox gone brought Gale to the crease. Let the fireworks begin! Overton and Gale set about destroying anything bowled at them! The run rate was flying with 90-1 off the first 10 overs. Overton dismissed for an excellent 66 and 110-2. A Homewood joined Gale and soon set to rebuild. But Gale wasn’t in a blocking mood, he carried on ticking away with Homewood supporting until he was caught 14. Man in form Charlie Edwards was now in and looking to carry on his impressive early season runs, until he ran past one and was stumped... less said about it the best 157-4.

Quinn joined Gale and it was now important that the innings needed settling down. Gale continued to dominate anything bowled at him and the main objective was his Ton. Quinn departed for 15 and the score 200-5. Enter the Ridler! Gale and Ridler SMASHED any that was bowled at them, Gale quickly reached his hundred and now it was a race to see if he could get 150 or Ridler could get his maiden 50.

Both were achieved with both lads batting superb, Gale ending up with a magnificent 158 not out and Ridler reaching his first ever 50 with 50 not out.

Dorking 335-5 in 50.

As whenever aside makes a big score it’s hard to get as motivated as one of those nail biting low scoring games but Dorking were keen to press their dominance.

Hardinges opened up with pace and hostility for the on watching cameras (don’t ask). But it was his Partner in crime at the other end who got Dorking going, Ridler trapping Bhade LBW with his first ball. With Hardinges blowing steam he was keen to get his man and surly did bowling Smith for 1, Woking 17-2.

Chris Weill making his long awaited return to Pixham entered the frame and it was obvious why the club were keen to get their man. Weill bowled tight and his reward was soon when he bowled Day for 12 and soon after Greenway for 5, Weill 2-13.

It was now time for Charlie Edwards to add to the torture, Edwards was tight and gave nothing away. He picked up 2-22 off his 10. Ridler returned to finish off the match and the crowd were treated to a magnificent one handed diving catch from Weill at second slip. 111-9. With Mccrum hitting some lusty shots he played one too many and Ridler cleaned him up and finished on 3-21 and Woking 125 all out.

Dorking win by 210 runs

Man of the man was Jonny Gale for the suburb, outstanding 158 not out (it must be noted that on any other day Max Ridler would of picked up the award for is 50 not out and 3-21)