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Posted:
Sunday 18th April 2010
Source: Stephen Birley
If the first two outings are anything to go by then Australian
Haydn Murray is going to a big hit with the home faithful at
Kensham Park this season.
The Aussie, who had stroked a faultless 74 at Sandford the
previous day, cruised past a debut home ground half-century,
finally being dismissed for 78. He struck six 4s and three 6s,
one of which sailed into the cemetery and very nearly disturbed
the flowers that are laying on recently departed dear Les Kent’s
grave!
Taking on Champions Heathcoat, who had also won their opening
game in week one, the home side batted first and that man Murray
led the way with another stylish spell at the crease.
Chris Acton also struck a half-century, his 57 included five 4s
and a brace of 6s. Such was the pair's dominance of the innings
that the next highest was that of Billy Wakeley with 14. Ned
Menheniott was the only bowler to claim more than a single
wicket, he took 2-27.
After ten overs of the reply Heathcoat were on the charge with
86 (by comparison the home side's ten-over-tally had been a more
sedate 25!) but the home bowlers gradually battled back into the
contest.
The reply was always up with the required run rate but once the
pair who had got the runs on week one for their side, Sam Medley
and Liam Lewis, both departed, it put the result back in the
balance and the final wicket fell, thanks to a superb catch from
Murray off the bowling of Piper to leave the Knightshayes men
eight short of the home total.
Medley was out to a terrific catch from Nick Dean off the
bowling of Phil Chappell, for 72, a knock that included eleven
4s and a 6. Lewis hit his second successive half-century,
finally out for 53.
Nick Dean, Matt Jarrett, Haydn Murray, Phil Chappell and Tim
Piper each took two wickets for the home side who are the early
leaders of the 2010 North Devon Cricket League.
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