Monday 17th June 2024
The message came through at 15:30 - GAME ON!
We had anticipated the outfield would be too wet given the heavy rain fall that seems to be plaguing the summer. However, drainage at Mottram and some intense mid afternoon sun helped keep the pitch playable and good to go.
Only the second away game of the season and Old Glossop travelled up the hill to Mottram set for what would be a tough match.
Once again the Old Glossop women were first out to bat and some throw downs and a quick warm up they were ready and raring to go.
The innings were frustrating for many. Mottram had brought their A game and were bowling lost and fast at the wicket. Protective shots and quick runs for 1 seemed to be all Old Glossop could do to get the score to begin to rise. Soon enough Anna and Jenny settled into it and posted the highest pairs score for the evening. Noteable 4s came from vice captain Jenny Bryan, very comfortable batting and guiding the ball away from the wicket. The next two pairs out did their best to protect the wicket and added their runs to the scoreboard.
Games of late have seen some record breaking individual run scores recorded. Playing against Mottram was a different beast. It needed clever play, singles taken, and as few wickets lost as possible. The Mottram field was strong.
Bowling was slick, wicket keeping close to the stumps, and the boundaries well covered in the outfield. The Old Glossop women’s final pair came out with Leni on strike and captain Netty Bell prepared to run for 2 and increase the OG total bit by bit. Having battered the Mottram clubhouse earlier in the season at their softball festival, Leni was able to final unleash her strong shots with a couple of fours before gave give it her all and posted a six through a clear field.
Although the OG women came off the field a little discontent with their batting, they had face tough bowlers. It was a day for patient play and Old Glossop knew they had to play their game, support one another, and field just as they had since the beginning of the season - as a team.
The second innings began and Mottram came out on the offensive. OG were set in the field and fully prepared for a tough innings as Jenny Bryan opened the bowling. Mottram struggled to set off with any pace. Jenny’s efforts kept them with a slow start scoring only 2 runs in the first over quickly followed up by only another run for the second over led by Netty Bell. It was a strong start. Grit and determination with the OG women on their toes to stop short balls around the field and the first pair posted 14 runs.
The next pair saw the first deduction as Becky Beasley took a great catch in the field watched on with despair by the Mottram batter. Becky soon followed this up with a run out for a batter in the following pair and the OG ladies felt they had the advantage leading into the final pair.
A little drama and disbelief followed in the final pairs batting. A long armed through from the boundary hit the wicket directly with frustrated calls for VAR as the Mottram batswoman was declared not out, and a simple mistake from the wicket keeper as she watched the ball sail through her legs with an easy wicket available kept the team on tenterhooks as the final over began.
Yet - there was no need for nerves.
Jenny Bryan bowled her final over, which very deservingly led to her nomination as Player of the Match. Team leading runs and a bowling economy of 1.5 for 4 overs she was a beacon of positivity and good cricket for the entire match.
Old Glossop won the match 278/3 to Mottram 269/2.
Our closest game of the season so far and a nice opportunity to challenge the batters on the end of some tough balls bowled. Thanks as always to our umpire Steve Draper and loyal travelling supporters Catherine and Ben.
Do come by and watch us play at home next week. Tuesday 25th June at Old Glossop Cricket Ground against Stalybridge. First ball bowled at 18:30.
Comments