Wanderers Left Wondering....What if?

John Richards’ face was creased in a pitch-wide smile yesterday as he posted career-best bowling figures with the unfortunate Wanderers on the receiving end. It wasn’t however all plain sailing though.

After winning the toss, Stingers Captain Gavin Morgan decided to bat (for the first time this season). Opening batsman Lee Van-Baaren must wonder when his break will come after being bowled for a golden duck. Statistically his run rate has dropped considerably but Morgan has held faith so far this season.

Fellow opening bat Simon Moore could only manage 14 before being run out by teammate Brian Thomas (2). Darryl Rees, Anthony Davies and Ben George were unable to get the Stingers back on track and suddenly with the scorebook reading 40-6 after 7 overs, and with the confidence growing by the over for the Wanderers it seemed that their first win of the season was upon them.

A recovery of RAC standards was needed if the Stingers were to get back on track and end with a good total. Gavin Morgan entered the field and was soon joined by John Richards. Finally a partnership was forming and the run rate began to increase. When Richards was bowled out for 19 and Pat Neary, making his debut, was bowled out for 1, the advantage was once again back with the Wanderers.

Experienced all rounder Geoffrey Derrick was eager to get the Stingers back on track. Initially helped by inaccurate bowling from the Wanderers Derrick found the boundary on numerous occasions with delightful batting lifting the Stingers. However it wasn’t the batting partnership of Morgan (23 n.o.) and Derrick (23) that eventually lifted the run rate for the Stingers but more the disastrous display of bowling from the Wanderers. Gifting the Beehive with 14 no balls and 41 wides, adding to that 4 from last man Richard Roberts the final innings total was a respectable 151 all out. 

If there is one area where the Stingers have grown in confidence this season it’s in the field. Having been shook up in the batting by a youthful Wanderers side the Stingers were not about to let slip for a second time. The old Chinese proverb, ‘never let a captured bee go -always kill it, as he’ll return to sting you on the arse’ couldn’t have been more apt.

Out to make amends the Stingers took control from the off and in the first over the Stingers had a wicket – ‘there was a buzz in the air’. What followed was a fielding display of superb quality. John Richards - 4 overs, 6 runs and 4 wickets! A display so faultless from the man you had to wonder what the England selectors were missing out on. Darryl Rees in touching distance of Richards wasn’t to be outdone and he too produced a display fitting of an England test place with 4 wickets and 2 catches. Ben George, wicket keeper, on his toes all game was rewarded with two fine catches that epitomised eighties legend Bruce Grobbelaar. Two other wickets were also taken by Anthony Davies, who not content with that also displayed his catching ability with a delightful take on the boundary. Even Stingers debutant Pat Neary came in the act with a sweet catch. Wanderers all out for 39 after 12 overs.