Forest Row in partnership with Douche entertained Dormansland
on a warm August afternoon. On a belter of a batting wicket, Row
won the toss – and fielded. Neil Divall & MJ Keeler
opened against Tribe & Hellier. Tribe survived a sharp chance
at slip off Keelers first over. This chance would prove to be
costly as the opening pair began to assert themselves on to the
bowling. Latterly, Row turned to the occasional spin of Francis
& Jackson to try and force a breakthrough. Hellier (40), who
was well set, holed out to Farncombe – off Francis, thus
ending a superb opening stand of 106. The toppling of a big partnership
invariably leads to a second quick wicket – Miles (0) lofting
Jackson straight to Francis on the cover boundary. Francis struck
again, Watson hitting a limp shot to Britt at wide mid-on. As
Tribe continued to find the boundary, Loney’s (21) cameo
added 34 for the 4th wicket – when Divall’s return
witnessed a double strike, only for a poor follow up delivery
saved the hat trick. With tea looming, Tribe unleashed a savage
assault on Divall, to race to and past his hundred. Dormansland
soon after declared on an imposing 227-6, after Britt’s
belated entry brought about the dismissal of Jones (7).
In reply, Row needed a positive start, opened with Francis &
Shreeves. One that kept low soon undid Shreeves (5). Francis took
the attack back to the bowlers, dominating the 2nd wicket partnership
of 69 – when Atkins bowled Osbourne (23). Dodwell then prized
Francis out of his crease – stumped for 48. This triggered
a gradual collapse and Row hanging on to claim a disappointing
draw. Dormansland only using three bowlers, Atkins taking 5-65
and Dodwell 3-43.
Scores Dormansland 227-6 (45) Tribe 126*, Hellier 40, Loney 21
Francis 7-0-36-2
N.Divall 13-5-43-2
Forest Row 131-9(45) Francis 48, Osbourne 23. Atkins 22-5-64-5
Dodwell 18-5-42-3
