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Gresford Belles

Gresford Cricket Club

Gresford Belles v Gresford Chairman’s Select XI

Sunday July 11th 2010

 

On a warm Sunday afternoon the attentions of the Gresford were focused on a highly anticipated match the had been built up for months and months. No, this was not the world cup final. It was more important, the Gresford Belles playing their first match against a nervous looking Chairman’s XI. (Pre match photo below)

 

 

Chairman’s XI innings

 

A bumper crowd buoyed by musical maestro Cam Murdoch were right behind opening bowlers Nimi and Justine. However it was veteran opener Les Lever and club coach Neil Ellwood who started brightest scoring 20 and 15 retired respectively. Lever’s innings brought to an end with a great catch from Corrine Dickens off the bowling of Linda Bunkell. Ian Baker was then caught off the bowling of Jane Dickens, Rhodri out first ball to Jan Bell and Neil Benson bowled by wife Jo after making a “powerful” 23. Chairmans XI made it to 126 off their 14 overs, leaving the Belles 24 overs to get the runs.

 

Scorecard—Ellwood 15 ret, Lever 20, Mcarthy 16ret, Baker 6, Maldwyn 12, Gibson 17ret, Rhodri 0, Benson 23, Perry 13no, Richards 3no.

 

L. Bunkell 1 wicket, J. Dickens 1 wicket, Jan Bell 2 wickets, Jo Benson 1 wicket.

 

A big thanks must go to all those who made what was undoubtedly the best tea’s had at Gresford in a long while, however the more sceptical amongst us feel that it was an attempt to slow the Chairman’s XI down in the field.

 

 

Gresford Belles Innings XI

 

Opening bowler Les Lever ran in to bowl the first delivery off his “long run”, worried spectators had already dialled 9..9..as Les “sprinted” in from the sightscreen. Luckily for all Les made it to the crease in one piece and the innings could continue. Opening pair Lana and Nimi made a good start scoring 12 between them. Following this Karen and Clare made 3 a piece offering no chances to the bowlers. Next pair Holly and Leslie made 5 and 6 respectively with all runs coming in singles.

 

Colin Murdoch appeared uncharacteristically quiet as wife Denise arrived at the crease in full knowledge of the consequences should she hit a boundary 6, however luckily for the big man there was no sixes. Denise scored 11 and player of the match Jo Benson scored 9 in what was a fruitful partnership.

 

Next a pumped up Justine (just ask wicketkeeper Perry) struck 8 runs alongside partner Jane who scored 5. The Dickens sisters, Holly and Corrine played some brilliant straight drives adding 16 runs, followed by Jan and Janine who contributed 9 runs.

Linda Bunkell hitting out

Close Finalé

 

Arriving at the crease with 13 runs needed penultimate pair Jo Thomas and Lynda Baker showed great composure with a partnership of 9 to take the Belles all but over the finishing line. However the Chairman’s XI had a trump card up their sleeve; supersub, Belles coach and first team spin bowler John Bell. Bell bowled a very tight over leaving the Belles needing 4 off the last over.

 

Tensions were eased as Nicky and Linda Bunkell scored the winning runs with 4 balls spare, much to the appreciation of the vociferous crowd! A fitting ending to a great match.

 

A great day was had by all who played and watched and the greatest triumph of the match was not the result, but in the spirit and good humour the match was played in. Big thanks goes to all who worked hard to arrange the match, to John Bell et al who have put in hours of coaching, which is much appreciated. Finally a big thanks to the organisers in chief of the Gresford Belles who’s drive, ambition and enthusiasm have not only re-invigorated the club as a whole but given back a lot to the women of the club who put so much hard work in.

(From left to right) Top Row—Karen, Claire, Justine, Nicky, Corrine, Lynda, Linda, Denise, Leslie, Gareth, David, Jack, Alex, Ollie, Jo T.

 

Bottom Row—Nimi, Holly B, Holly D, Jane C, Jane D, Jan B, Jo B, Cam

 

Front Row Centre—John Bell