Baker proves his worth

With the roads in and around Falmouth expected to be busy on Armed Forces Day, Simon Tilley’s merry band set out early to take on Falmouth’s 2nd XI at their beautiful ground.

What started on a high with players and spectators alike enjoying the Red Arrows’ precision aerobatics ended on a slight low with Gerrans falling 65 runs short in a run chase that never really got going.  Falmouth were 223 all out in their last over and in response, Gerrans stuttered to 158-8 in their 45 overs.

There were however positives for Gerrans to take from the game, not least, the performance of teenage all-rounder Charlie Baker who impressed with both bat and ball.  Opening the bowling for Gerrans he took 3-29 and then starred with the bat, anchoring the visitors innings with a measured 74 runs including 11 fours.  The rest of the batting unit got in and got out with only Tris Perry (22) looking assured before one lept off a length from off-spinner Ali Khurran (3-21) with Keeper/Captain Aidan Carter taking a fine catch off Perry’s glove.

Falmouth’s opening bowlers Duncan Ayres (2-11) and Dale Knowles (1-36) both maintained good lines to build pressure at the start of Gerrans’ run chase, with the promising under-15 bowler Isaac Hurtel-Hymans (1-25) also bowling impeccably.

Earlier in the day, Gerrans bowlers started well and reduced Falmouth to 45-4 with Joseph Tilley (1-30) and Henry Stirzaker (2-45) bowling well alongside Charlie Baker.  However Callum Thompson (43), Liam Hoban (44) and Seb Firth (51*) dragged Falmouth back into the game.  Each innings featured a combination of fine shots together with doses of good fortune in equal measure.  Whereas everything that Gerrnas hit in the air went to hand, many of Falmouth’s shots either fell short of fielders or went just over their heads.  It goes like that sometimes!

Gerrans are playing at home on Saturday 1st July.  We welcome Barripper’s 1st XI to our Churchtown Road ground.  It’s a 13:30 start and all support is appreciated.