1st XI skipper Ian Antonio went into the 2nd league game of the season with key players Downey and Desai missing but on the plus side former pace bowler James Chappell returned to strengthen up the LDCC bowling. It would be a big ask against Hampton Hill who had also won there opening game of the season. HHCC won the toss and suprisingly elected to bat on what was an Oldham classic, perfect for batting! The HHCC opener’s of Hampton and Barrs James started well passing 50 partnership with ease. After several weight behind forceful shots by Hampton, he was out. LBW by the Dirk Nannes-esque bowling of Mikey Hall. Hall then in successive overs had another wicket. Within 10 over’s, The Hampton Hill batting had collapsed with Tom Ormerod claiming 2 in one over to be taken off by the ruthless captaincy of Antonio. Hampton Hill posted 181 with Plunkett being the pick of the bowlers with 4 wickets for 32.
LDCC started there innings well with Turnbull getting off to a typical dominant start. Ormerod was out. Bowled! Off the heavy ball bowling of Hampton for a 19 ball duck! Mumford soon followed for 6. Ditton in dissaray! Captain Fantastic Antonio stepped in and steadied the ship until he was caught at point. Hall and Plunkett fell cheaply leaving Tom Bennett at the crease. Nick Turnbull who had batted so well for 91 was given out via a controversial high decision from the HHCC umpire. Kiwi King Ben “BJ” Henderson entered the crease with an impressive average of 30+. Him and Bennett batted solidly to get LDCC into a position to win. Needing 14 off the last over for the victory, Bennett fell first ball of the over for 20. Caught behind! Henderson kept his nerve and guided Ditton to a winning draw. 9 runs shy of an outright win.
Captain Antonio spoke after the game: “Pleased with the performance. Gutted we didn’t chase the score down. It’s a score we were confident of chasing. Overall, missing good players like Downey, Desai and Cook we’re pleased to get the winning draw against a side who are competing at the top”
Winning draw run hero Ben Henderson spoke: “I didn’t do it with the ball today. I think I left my finger on the Oceana Dancefloor. Despite this, I was pleased to contribue with the bat. It’s a great feeling. I’m overwhelmed”
LDCC Sunday 1s claimed a fortunate abandonment against Worcester Park. With Worcester Park only needing 8 runs to win, the weather came to LDCCs rescue to gain a point. Tom Bennett struck 48 with the bat being well supported in the middle order by Ian Antonio who hit 46. The Ditton bowler’s never got going and were lucky to get away without a loss.
LDCC Saturday 1s and Saturday 2s are in action against Old Suttonians this weekend.