Friday 20/20
6 Rioteers joined up with 5 from the Newport Inn CC at Braishfield to take on Alderney CC for a 20/20.
Alderney batted first and started slowly reaching 60 at the half way stage due to accurate bowling by Lowden and in particular Harrison Hill (aged 12) who bowled his allocated 4 overs with great accuracy picking up the wickets of Chadney and Ryan both with unplayable balls taking their off stump. Alderney moved on to post a decent score of 145 – 8.
Rioteers started slowly with Stafford going early before Simon Brazier and Brown steadied the ship and Ben was run out.
Simon remained and supported by Hardy then Light the score moved on to 141 after 19 overs. So 5 to win from the last over, Light struck a four to see Rioteers across the line with a ball to spare. Simon ending on 84 no.
A competitive match played in good spirit and on a beautiful evening at an idilic venue.
Sunday 35 overs (12 a side)
Rain was promised at 3pm as we arrived at the ground for an early BBQ . However apart from a few drops the rain stayed away for the duration of both the BBQ and the game.
Captain Bickford decided to bat first and we struggled to score at an acceptable rate getting to only 36 after 15 overs.
Only Slape (first game for Rioteers for 15 years!!) showed any authority over the Alderney bowlers. Even so we only posted 119 for our allocated 35 overs. Surely an easy target.
An excellent tea then followed prepared by the Rioteer ladies. Thanks go to them.
Alderney started their innings slowly too posting just 50 after 15 overs but well up with the run rate chasing such a small total. Wickets fell regularly with Archie Hillier and Lowden the pick of the bowlers early on. But Ryan was still at the crease and apart from Brazier snr picking up 2 late wickets inevitably our meagre total was looking likely to be over taken if their batsmen stayed put. However at we started the 30 th over Alderney was down to their last pair of batsmen so any result was possible. Malloy stayed strong and hit the winning 4 giving Alderney a well deserved victory by 1 wicket.
The Rioteers are always pleased to welcome Alderney on tour having been hosted by them in Alderney for so many years. We look forward to returning to the “Rock” next year for revenge.
Thanks go to James Light and the Newport Inn CC for allowing us to use their pitch and facilities once again.