TODAY IS:

Forest Row, in partnership with Douche, visited Holmbush Park, on a grey Sunday afternoon. With the light always being a factor, the toss would be good to win. Park won and duly elected to bat. Row opened with Murray Divall and debutante, Withanagamage. Both bowled impressively, Withanagamage striking first with keeper Gaunt taking the catch. Divall collected two wickets, Britt taking a fine low catch at silly mid off, Jones at mid-wicket. Mason struck, with young Matt Woodward taking a superb catch in the deep. Whilst Britt again bowled without luck, Woodward’s entrance before tea reaped two wickets, as Park declared on 196-6.

In reply, Row went out to bat in light that no Australian would dare bat in – opened with Britt and Withanagamage (10). The latter batting in his customary frenetic style was caught behind – attempting another flamboyant shot. Horlock (0) was harshly adjudged LBW – Row needing a partnership to steady the ship, formed one with the Arrival of Gaunt. As the light gradually diminished, Gaunt played some composed drives – before he miss-timed one to be caught for a fine 30. Britt meanwhile was battling for all he was worth was solid in defence, and with Jupp, looked to steering Row a draw. Britt took advantage of anything loose – which could be picked, out of the dark background. A rare pulled six-witnessed Britt on his way one of his hardest earned fifties of the season. Surviving many a body blow, a toe – crusher in the ensuing gloom, proved to be the pretext to his demise – inside edge, pad – stumps for a fighting 64. More bravery was required from Row, with the openers returning. Coming down the last over, Schoultz put in a short-pitched delivery to young Matt Woodward – who could barely see the ball. Showing tremendous courage after the blow kept Schoultz out and secured Row a draw, in what had become unplayable conditions.

Holmbush Park 196-6 M Woodward 3-0-16-2 M Divall 11-2-34-2

Forest Row 134-9 Britt 64, Gaunt 30 Schoultz 9-0-30-4