Sewn Up By the Pocketts

A magnificent 103 not out from Cranham skipper Alex Pockett enabled Cranham
to post a formidable 216 on a damp Hardwicke track.

Given the rain that fell in the week and the almighty shower that swept through
just an hour before the start of play, it was a miracle that a ball was bowled at
all.  But as the showers slowly diminished and the sun appeared some how play was
possible albeit on a soggy, slow wicket.

A good toss to win then, which Hardwicke skipper Chris Hutchings duly did and 
didn't hesitate to insert the visitors.

Openers Alex and Ben Pockett set about their task studiously.  Despite a brief break
for rain, the pair made a solid start before the latter fell to a sharp catch at 
silly mid-on off the bowling of Hutchings.

A series of Cameos from Matt Smith (22), Jeremy Strickland (25) and latterly Brad 
Mears, who cracked a rapid 48, supported Pockett who himself was also beginning to
open his shoulders.

Pockett paced his innings superbly - bringing up his century with a straight six 
in the last over but it was not without a scare as the fielder at long-off very 
nearly clung on to the catch but instead spilt the ball over the line to the relief
of the Cranham Skipper.  Cranham closed on 216-4.

In reply Hardwicke started badly, losing both openers to the spin of Steve 'Terry' 
Walden and the experienced guile and accuracy of Buzz Pockett at the other end.  It 
proved to be a start from which Hardwicke would never recover as Walden on Pockett 
rattled through the middle order.  

Now, I don't know what Buzz Pockett had for tea but the man was a live wire all
afternoon taking four wickets, pinging the ball in like a madman and delivering
the coup de grace with a smart catch at first slip.

An emphatic 124 run victory with Alex Pockett taking the plaudits with an unbeaten 
century.  Cranham will go into this Saturdays game against Frocester with renewed 
confidence.

Cranham 216-4 (Alex Pockett 103*, Brad Mears 48, Jeremy Strickland 25)
Hardwicke 92 (Buzz Pockett 4-20)

Cranham (20pts) beat Hardwicke (3pts) by 124 runs

Man of the match: Alex Pockett