On what started out as a cool, overcast Bank Holiday weekend, Grace’s deserved their first win of 2007 in a low-scoring match against the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. Having lost the toss and being put into bat, Grace’s started off briskly with 59 runs in 14 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Whitmore top scored with 34 and Scott a handy 13 before Whitmore’s departure to a low skidding delivery heralded a collapse by Grace’s to 67 for 6. A late rally helped by a quick 20 from Shorrocks and 12 by Akhter managed to get Grace’s to 132 all out but criminally they did not use their full allocation of 40 overs and the score did not look enough.
With the May sunshine finally coming through, FCO started poorly losing their first 4 wickets for 14 runs. Grace’s bowled and fielded exceptionally throughout, determined to get their first win. Wickets fell steadily with Bielby and Akhter both taking four apiece and in the process bagging double wicket maidens. They were ably backed up by the pace of Mappin who clean bowled both of his victims. In 31 overs FCO were bowled out for 88 giving Grace’s a clear victory by 44 runs. This was an excellent performance by Grace’s and sets them up well for their first ever League match at home on the 13th May.
Scores
Grace’s 132 all out (34 overs) A.Whitmore 34, G.Shorrocks 20.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office 88 all out (31 overs) R.Bielby 4 for 19, S.Akhter 4 for 18