9 September 2007 St Lukes A v Nutley Hall (Friendly – timed )) – Away

St Lukes:

Charlie Hillman

Henry Packer

Richard Somers

David Houghton

Tim Craig

Ed Hardwicke

Nick Radiven

Tim H

Richard B

Jasmes Somers

Matthew Cobb

Nutley Hall won the toss and elected to bat on a good looking strip.  Tim Craig and Matthew opened the bowling tidily and economically with Tim picking up a wicket in his second over.  They were followed by a Somers bowling partnership, father and son.  Again steady bowling with no help from the pitch but the Nutley batsmen were getting more confident.  They were helped by St Lukes missing 3 run-outs of which 2 were the result of poor throws.  It was not until the 25th over when Tim Haslehurst struck for the second wicket as Nutley's score progressed following a slow start.  Eventually a run-out was achieved thanks to Matthew and just before tea James c&b'd the Nutley skipper, who had top-scored with 58.  Nutley Hall made their tea-time declaration on 196-4, a few more than St Lukes had expected.

In reply Ed and Richard Bent started steadily keeping the scoreboard ticking over.  Richard was caught having scored 28 of a first wicket partnership worth 93.  Having seen off the opening bowlers the Nutley bowling was not looking dangerous and the strip was getting better and better for the batsman.  Ed was now in full flow, something we have not seen all season.  Matthew quickly got his eye in and the pair took the score to 167 before Ed made his century (102) and retired to let skipper, Charlie, see St Lukes through to what was now an inevitable victory.  This was done with 10 overs to spare, Matthew ending on 42 not out.

Man of the Match - Ed for his near perfect innings.