Gerrans come unstuck on Wendron’s sticky wicket

There is an old adage in cricket – on a sticky wicket, it’s best to adopt a cautious batting approach. Focus on playing with soft hands, watch the ball closely and avoid aggressive shots. For bowling, aim for a consistent line and length, exploiting the unpredictable bounce.  Use slower deliveries and variations to trouble the batters.

With the summer holiday season upon us – and at a time when school reports are read with interest, if Gerrans had to rate Saturday’s performance against Wendron, they’d probably give themselves a C- for their bowling and a D- for their batting.

In a one-sided affair on a sticky wicket, home side Wendron posted a challenging 172 all out in the 45th over.  Skipper/opening batter Sam Care top scored with a patient and well composed 60.  Gerrans tended to bowl too short – the ball simply sat up and was swatted to the boundary.

In all Gerrans conceded 19 fours and 2 sixes.  The wickets were shared around with returning Gerrans cricketer James Parker bagging 3-15, Simon Tilley (2-27), Tris Perry (2-29), Joseph Tilley (1-28) and Charlie Baker (2-45).

After Tea, Gerrans’ innings never really got going.  They were dismissed for 69 inside 32 overs.   Wendron fully exploited their home advantage, bowling tight lines and keeping the ball up to the bat.  Such was their dominance with the ball, their bowling unit only conceded 4 boundaries.  All bowled well with Anthony Harris picking up 5-13 in 6.5 overs.  Only Tris Perry and the returning student Jake Denny made double figures.

Every side occasionally has an off-day.  Let’s hope Gerrans can rediscover their consistency when they welcome local friends and rivals Perranarworthal to their Churchtown Road ground on Saturday 5th August.  Weather permitting, the game starts at 1:30pm.