1st Team vs Alton CC, Sat 2nd XI

You would be forgiven for reading the headlines score 376/6 and assuming that it was a case of win the toss and win the match, but at 6-1 with the new ball moving about on a remarkably green deck, one that the top of the table opposition were looking to bowl first on, it seemed anything but.  In the reverse fixture Ferndown also lost early wickets before being bowled out for 113, and following last week’s 100, I’m sure Alton thought it was a good toss to lose.  

The context is important, because what followed next from Regan Norman was one of the most imposing knocks I’ve seen in the Southern League. 

Batting with the kind of clarity that only a post presentation hangover on a 35 degree day provides - Regs was determined to deal predominantly in boundaries and was there for a good time not a long time.  Jumping on anything that was slightly over pitched, a flurry of boundaries between the 3rd and 7th over had the Alton boys on the back foot and his continued positive play kept them there. 

A small window opened when they picked up Whitehurst with a “continuous” catch at 85 but this only brought Lex to the crease and he set about accumulating runs in a beautifully controlled fashion, leaving the way clear for Regs to plunder his debut Southern League century in brutal fashion.  Eventually dismissed for 132 out of the total of 192 from only 82 balls with 19 x 4s and 4 x 6s in the 25th over, it truly was a special knock on a deck that continued to offer something for the bowlers.  

If the first 25 overs were the Norman Jr show, the next 25 were an Alex Sampson masterclass.  Supported well by the whole middle order, especially Munners, who looked back to his best, Lex complied a chanceless first Premier League Ton, still there at the end 107 red. 

Some inventive strokeplay and hard running from Fred 41*(22) alongside on enormous 6 took the Ferns to our highest SPL total of 376.

Following another top notch tea, we were taking nothing for granted against a strong Alton side who have made short work of chases in previous weeks.  

Robbie and Fred took the new ball and set attacking fields but Alton came out swinging and raced to 26 before a sharp grab from Bambi, removed the key man Heffernan fresh off the back of an unbeaten 140 last week.  

Henry Hayes joined the attack in the 10th over, and with the scoreboard pressure mounting, bowled good areas and extracted as much out of the pitch as anyone.  Striking in the first over and continuing to induce false strokes on a regular basis.  His 5 over spell of 5-15 ripped the heart out of Alton’s middle order and earned him a much deserved first SPL match ball.  Denied his chance to make a claim for the man of the match award, he was rotated early, to the dismay of his many fantasy cricket owners. 

Daryl picked up 3 wickets and despite some great catching all round, still had some strong encouragement for the boys on their fielding! 

Norman senior ruined the scorecard with a clean bowled, trimming the bails and therefore breaking the streak of all 15 prior wickets falling to catches. 

On a day of personal milestones, the skipper recorded his highest margin of victory (249 = jug avoidance?) and all that remained was to enjoy the sunshine and Juicy after a hard fought bounce back win against a strong Alton side who will no doubt be up there come the end of the season. 

Next week sees the Ferns host Trojans at the home of cricket in another must win game as the title race continues to heat up.