Photo: Stand-in captain for the day, Alex Hogg, took the wicket of Swardeston’s opener in the first over (pic from 2015)
Garboldisham vs Swardeston A Saturday 28 May 2016
Garboldisham came up against a strong looking Swardeston ‘A’ side at The Langley on an overcast afternoon. The Foxes 1st XI were without captain D. Cash, and opening bowlers G. Barnes and K. Pask but were nonetheless strong. After captain for the day A. Hogg lost the toss, the Foxes were asked to bowl first – a decision Swardeston would later regret. Captain Hogg, opening the bowling took the wicket of Swardeston opener D. Martin in his first over. The very next ball in the following over, L. Rackham took his first of five wickets for the innings in a devastating opening spell which saw him finish with 5-29 in just 7 overs. Wickets continued to tumble for Swardeston as batsman could not put together any substantial partnerships. Garboldisham took wickets at regular intervals, with all bowlers getting involved in the action; R. Fuller, T. Davey with one a piece and D. Constable continuing his form with the ball with another 2 wickets. The only Swardeston batsman to withstand the relentless Foxes pressure was captain, B. Hogg, who finished on 35 not out as Swardeston finished the innings all out for 147 off 40.5 overs.
During the interval, Garboldisham knew the job was only half done and on a pitch that gave the bowlers something a bit extra – the batsmen had to be watchful. Swardeston got off to the best possible start, K. Williman was caught 2nd slip off the bowling of A. Levinson. However, D. Constable and H. Phoenix both managed to get through a tough period and come out the other side unscathed. Constable showed touches of real class on his way to 41 in a partnership of 88 for the 2nd wicket, until he was removed by M. Taylor. Phoenix continued to work hard for his runs and was joined by J. Wyatt, who together took Garboldisham to a victory in the 24th over with the loss of just 2 wickets. Phoenix finished on 56 not out, and Wyatt on 25 not out.
This is a third victory out of five matches for the newly promoted Garboldisham side, and an entirely impressive victory against the strongest Swardeston ‘A’ side this year. Garboldisham look to continue their form next week, away at Sprowston.
Henry Phoenix