Back in May, the Two Counties Over 70s XI should have travelled to Worlingworth to meet the combined Norfolk/Suffolk Over 75s XI, but the match was cancelled due to a dodgy weather forecast. On Tuesday, August 2nd, the match was re-arranged at the same venue.
The Two Counties XI batted first and John Stuck was quickly into his stride. Oddly though, the opening pair of Stuck and Steve Isaac had got the total over 50 before they scored a run on the off-side. Their partnership went on to reach 94 before Stuck was well caught for 48. Willie Muggleston added 16 before he departed lbw at 136. Chris Martin then joined Isaac, and they prospered and took the score to 207 at the end 32nd over, at which point Steve Isaac was caught for 86 trying to flick the ball over mid-wicket. Chris Martin retired on 53 at 226. The 40 over innings ended with a score of 242-5, which at first glance may have been about 20 runs short.
The Two Counties XI did remove the dangerous Dougie Andrews for 22 at 46, when he was bowled by Glyn Webster, but it wasn’t until the next pairing of Shrimpton and Maynard had been dismissed for 68 and 49 respectively, both falling to Derek Messant, that some control was regained as 154-2 was turned into 171-7. Smith with 20 not out, and Mosley with 33 did their best to get the home team back on track but the overs ran out with the total eleven runs short of their target, on 232-8. Derek Messant deservedly taking the plaudits with his 6-69 from twelve overs.
TWO COUNTIES OVER 70s 242-5 (Isaac 86, Martin 53 ret, Stuck 48)
NORFOLK/SUFFOLK OVER 75s 232-8 (Shrimpton 68, Maynard 49, Mosley 33, Andrews 22, Smith 20 no, Messant 6-69)