Derby Day Win for Academy

After last week's washout, the Lindum Academy headed to Lincoln Christ Hospital School to play the newly formed Gully Cricketers. The conditions were perfect; not a cloud in the sky, a slight breeze, and a game of cricket to be played. There was lots of interest in this game with many of the young lads playing for the Academy known by many of the Gully Cricketers and their families, so bragging rights were up for stake.

The toss was won by Gully Cricketers who elected to bat, which seemed eminently sensible in hot conditions. Lindum’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Mr Alan who accounted for one of Gully’s openers with the score on two. Eshan was unfortunate not to pick up any wickets with some good, aggressive bowling from the other end. Unfortunately, Mr Alan didn’t have much opportunity to build on his initial success as he fell foul of the new, stricter no ball regulations (not the only player in this match) in his third over.

Gully Cricketers then dug in building a decent partnership, taking the score to 57-1 before Raghav got their opener LBW with his very first ball. The new batsman in looked to continue Gully’s aggressive approach to the young fast bowlers; cue the introduction of the quartet of spin. Zac accounted for, in quick succession, Gully’s troublesome pair, both bowled. This was followed by great bowling from Rishabh who took three wickets, Guatam two, and Pranav snaffling the final wicket in his first over. Gully’s last five wickets fell for only five runs. Gully’s main resistance came from Pravin Bayaskar who played some classy looking shots on his way to 41 not out from Gully’s total of 140 from 27.3 overs. Great bowling and fielding performance from a side with only one player over the age of 20 and eight under the age of 15.

In reply Lindum got off to a strong start with Ben Rolfs and Pranav opening the innings and establishing a partnership of 64 before Pranav fell LBW playing no shot. Ben had made a very positive start and continued this approach with new batting partner Rishabh. Ben quickly reached his 52 from 41 balls before retiring not out, leaving the field somewhat flushed and wondering why on earth he wore his jumper in such warm conditions. Rishabh and Zac then built a decent partnership, with Rishabh playing some wonderfully aggressive shots before Zac was out LBW. Rishabh continued his positive approach and looked set to see Lindum home before trying one big hit too many and getting caught for a well crafted 31 from 35 balls with Lindum on 123-3. This left Harry Lewis and Dan Price to get the last few runs which Dan did with aplomb via a nice, big six, meaning Lindum reached their goal after only 23 overs.

It’s worth mentioning that Gully had two players fall foul of the new, stricter no ball rules which, at this level and with some players a little ...ahem… rusty, seems a tad harsh. It certainly generated some discussion.

None of that takes away from a brilliant team performance and a wonderful afternoon’s cricket played in a great spirt and good support from Gully’s families and friends. Let’s make sure we return the favour on the return fixture.

Onwards and upwards

Report by Wes Shelbourne