2nd XI Match Report - 16/4/22

Our 2nd XI Captain, Ben Hansford, has given us his report on Saturday's action.

Belbroughton 2nd XI won the toss at a sunny Hagley Park, but with a heavy dew underfoot and early start elected to field. After giving away some easy early runs, Todd Stevens picked up where he left off last year picking up good swing to dismiss both openers with great deliveries. Hagley’s batsmen recovered well from 20-2 to 80 for 3 and the game was well poised. A flurry from Hagley and loose bowling saw them push on to 120-3 at drinks and Belb looked like they’d be chasing plenty on a drying pitch and outfield. After the drinks break Kavaski restored control dismissing the dangerous Hymer before a brilliant run out by Stevens saw the game even again at 140-5. Despite good second spells by Stevens and Ranasinghe, the latter picking up important wickets to curb momentum, Hagley’s experienced side batted deep and continued to punish the bad balls. Finishing on 228 for 7, a below par score for Hagley Park, but still the sense we’d let them get too many.

Belb started the chase well with Thomas and Malanaphy setting a good rate and punishing the bad balls putting on just under 40 for the opening partnership before Thomas was caught behind to a great delivery and catch. Malanphy quickly followed the next over as did Ranasinghe 10 balls later leaving Belb precariously balanced at 48-3. Hansford and Dunn batted positively but mindful of a long tail, putting on 50 in 9 overs and all of a sudden Hagley were on the back foot and momentum had shifted in Belbroughton’s favour. Disaster struck as Hansford tried to work a ball to mid wicket and turned it into a yorker, bowled for 31 before Dunn completed a brisk 33 with a carbon copy dismissal to the same bowler. MacKenzie tried to steer the tail home, but losing regular wickets the match was lost and was all about securing the batting bonus point at 135, and with Belb finishing on 141-9 and picking up 6 points for their frustrating days work.

A solid performance in the main against a strong adult Hagley side whilst Belbroughton fielded 3 youth players. Plenty of positives to take forward to our first home game next Saturday.

Hagley CC - 228/7 (45 overs)

Belbroughton CC - 141/9 (45 overs)

MVP - Todd Stevens (59 points)