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Lynxes v Bully Boys - Friday 15thJuly
The toss was won by the Bully Boys, who had no hesitation in deciding to bat first on another wonderful summer’s day. This was a 40 over match. An early wicket for Ben Tragett promised much but Finn Hulbert was having no luck at the other end. The introduction of Tom Laver led to the 2ndwicket by which time the Bully Boys had moved past 50 runs in the 11thover. Matt Hall had no luck and conceded 56 runs off 8 overs. This match saw three Allens playing - Tom Allen and two of his sons. It was Tom who helped slow the scoring rate with 2-17 off 5 overs, picking up the wickets of numbers 3 and 4 batsmen. I. Allen picked up 2 wickets on debut, but Louis Cox and Jordan Pickering scored freely and the Bully Boys made a very respectable 227-7 off their 40 overs. The Lynxes would have to bat well to win the match. Finn Hulbert was the star with a great 100 exactly, but Giles May was the only other batter to reach double figures and the Lynxes, who could never get close enough, finished on 181 all out. The Bully Boys were too strong on the day and thoroughly deserved the victory.
Lynxes v Band of Brothers - Saturday 16thJuly
This was a 30 over match with both teams struggling for players. It was a new fixture for this 75thAnniversary year with Lynxes’ player Finn Hulbert bringing the Band of Brothers team. Big Side, despite the summer weather, was playing much better than it has done for many years.
The toss was won by the B.o B. who inserted The Lynxes. Joe Schindler and Jordan Pickering opened and despite Finn Hulbert trying his best they stood firm and Finn was wicketless. The Lynxes got to 68 when Joe Schindler went for 44. Gary Marshall joined Jordan and the runs continued to flow until Jordan was out for a good 55 with the Lynxes on 136. Jake Hornsby followed for 8 and then Toby Russell-Vick and Gary saw the innings to a conclusion at 186-3 off 30 overs. The spin attack of Owen Dearn and Henry Laver kept the scoring in check and it wasn’t until the 6thover that Henry struck, bowling Matt Simpson. Jake Hornsby and Toby Russell-Vick continued the good work with the ball and even Finn couldn’t save the B.o B. from defeat as the Lynxes finished with a comfortable win by 94 runs.
Lynxes v Castle Hill (Away) - Sunday 17thJuly
This was the second match against Castle Hill, who were heavily defeat by the Lynxes the previous year. Castle Hill were obviously looking for revenge. The Lynxes weren’t as strong as in 2021 but the spin of Ed May and Owen Dearn would hopefully prove pivotal. Lynxes won the toss and elected to bat. Father and son, Giles and Ed May opened and put on 31 before Giles was out for 10. Ed has matured and was batting fluently - making a good 37. Joe Schindler and Gary Marshall went for 12 and 10 and Matt Vowls made 23 before three quick wickets were lost. It was left to Owen Dearn (12*) and Tom Laver (18) to add some respectability with the Lynxes finishing on 161 in the 33rdover. A gritty 50* by the Castle Hill opener and his partner, who made 61, put the game beyond the Lynxes. Ed and Owen could not reproduce the heroics of last year even though Owen took another 3-46. Castle Hill won by 5 wickets.
Lynxes v Shoreham and Otford CC (Away) - Sunday 7thAugust
The last match of the Lynxes season was on a dust bowl at Shoreham, after the lack of rain. Shoreham batted first in the August heat in this 30 over match. Runs and wickets came steadily throughout the afternoon. 36 was the top score for Shoreham in their total of 166. Wickets were shared by Louis Cox (4-40), Jake Hornsby (3-30), Owen Dearn (1-13) and L Stone (2-27). Batting was never easy on the dry, dusty wicket and would require application if the Lynxes were to win. Douglas Gordon and Charles Comet, making his debut, produced an opening stand of 37 before Comet (11) was bowled. The Lynxes strong middle order of Matt Simpson (4), Gary Marshall (6),Archie Johnstone (16), Owen Dearn (15) and Joe Schindler (8) could not find the runs or acceleration required and the Lynxes ended their 30 overs agonisingly 9 runs short. This new match was a good end to the Lynxes’ season, being played in a good spirit and followed by a visit to the very welcoming pub in the middle of Shoreham.
Thank you to all the players that played and to those that helped with the BBQ. Gary Marshall.