Sunday 2's pick up win at Woodley

With the popularity of the Sunday team increasing to an unheard of levels, we fielded a second XI (in name only!) this weekend against Woodley.

Woodley fielded a strong XI made up of a combination of their two league teams. On a day with rain in the air and a soft pitch with a definite green colour, PCGG won the toss, put Woodley in to bat and unleashed first team bowler Mark Peck against their top order. With exceptional support from Anthony Fuller, Woodley crumbled to Peck and were 17-6 after 8 overs, with some excellent fielding, including two more outstanding catches from Nick Jones in the covers. Twice Peck was on a hat-trick and was successful once.

The change bowling followed on the good work from the openers and Ian Hann took three wickets with his effective brand of slow-medium. Woodley did fight back, mainly through their wolf-in-sheep's-clothing number 9 who was really their first team opener, who saw off Peck's second spell and scored 25no. Perseverence, however, paid off and PGCC were happy to bowl out Woodley in the 27th over for 88.

After tea, Woodley showed that they were definitely a bowling side, with all of their six bowlers contributing and moving the ball in the air or off the pitch, some at lively pace. A tough opening spell was negated for the loss of the openers George Chetworth and Fuller. Bish played well for 17, ably supported by eleventh-hour guest player Richard Marks and Jones.

A typcial middle order collapse left Pinkney's still over 20 short with only two wickets left, but Javed and Peck got the finishing line in sight before a final twist saw Peck bowled with 2 still needed, but the last pair saw us over the line with 4 balls to spare for a great win for the team.