Forest Row, in partnership with Douch, travelled to Hammerwood,
in a new Sunday fixture. Winning the toss, Row elected to field
on a wicket which would offer more variable bounce, as the game
progressed. Row opened with Paul Rowe & Mike Gaunt. Hammerwood
got off to a flyer, thanks to Gorman – as the openers racked
up 34 in 5 overs. Gaunt broke through, having Hicks (5) caught
by Britt at gully. Hillyer (10) joined Gorman. With the score
66-1 a double bowling change rocked Hammerwood. Trench, who was
smacked for six as Gorman raised his fifty, immediately hit back.
Gorman’s top edge caught by keeper N Divall. It should have
been two in two – Divall dropping Fordes (0), though he
was given out LBW – next ball. Mason had Hillyer (10) LBW,
Turvey (5) caught behind and Bellisio (0) also LBW. Trench followed
up by bowling Page (9) & Perry (0) spectacularly taken at
slip by R Woodward. With Hammerwood 91-8, Row opened up the game,
using four more bowlers. Matt Woodward bowled tidily. Walsom and
Phil Rowe claimed the final two wickets – Hammerwood were
allowed to score 169 in the process.
With darkening skies, Row opened with Britt & Jackson –
against some testing bowling from Forbes & DeHoedt. The pair
punished anything loose. They adding 61, when Britt was LBW (29).
Divall, in need of a score was gifted a four through covers legs,
then set about the bowling. With Jackson, they upped the tempo.
Jackson struck 40 and Divall thumped an equally aggressive 58.
A mini fluffy of wickets, witnessed Row wobble at 141-4. Trench
trumped that advance and thumped 25* to seal a fine 6 wicket win,
with 6 overs remaining.
Scores: Hammerwood 169 (32.2) Gorman 52, Botting 28* extras 29.
Trench 3-1-15-4, Mason 3-1-10-3
Forest Row 170-4 (33) Divall 58, Jackson 40, Britt 29. Perry 5-0-37-2
