Gerrans Give League Leaders Constantine A Scare
In this wonderful game of cricket, no target can be taken for granted, and chasing even a low total requires careful planning, proper execution, and a strong mental approach. For the bulk of Constantine’s run chase on Saturday 19th August, these three factors seemed to desert the league leaders as they struggled to chase down Gerrans’ total of 109 all-out in 42 overs.
In the end, Constantine’s four wicket victory was much closer than the scorecard suggested – and judging by the home team’s cheers when former Cornwall Cricketer Scott Kellow hit the ball to the boundary for one final time, they were mightily relieved to have won.
Credit for setting up such a thrilling game must go to the Gerrans’ bowling unit for their best all-round performance of the year so far. Veteran Off-spinner Tris Perry bowled nine overs unchanged for a miserly 11 runs (which included a four off his last delivery). He was unlucky to bag only one wicket – a fine running catch in the deep taken low down by Matt Stephens. Young all-rounder Charlie Baker also bowled some impeccable lines taking 1-22 off his nine overs.
Simon Tilley created pressure when he clean bowled skipper Charlie Campbell for 13 and the hard-hitting Graham Griffiths for a scratchy 9 runs. When Mark Sadler took a tumbling catch at point off the bowling of Jim Holt (1-34) just after the drinks break, Constantine were 6 down and still only half the way towards their target of 110 runs.
Enter the injured Kellow who thrashed a rapid 38* ably assisted by Simon Husson (11*) to see Constantine home.
Earlier in the day, Constantine’s bowlers exploited the wet conditions very effectively. Only Charlie Baker (43) and Joe Hitchings (39*) made double figures. Graham Griffiths bowled his nine overs for a mere 3 runs and Tim McCabe was almost as tight with figures of 2-14 off his nine overs.
Even though a mere 222 runs were scored, both teams had plenty to chat about in the balmy sunshine afterwards. It was a terrific game of cricket, played in the right way by both Constantine and Gerrans.