Bassett's unbeaten 120 in vain at Four Elms

Arriving first thing in the morning to the ground, it was clear that a couple of days of thunderstorms had taken it’s toll on what is usually hard and fast wicket at Four Elms.

Following a gentleman’s agreement, it was decided the game would be a 45 over per side contest (9 over per bowler), and LNZ would bat first, with 2 stoppages, on for lunch and one for tea.

LNZ had two debutants in what looked like a well balanced side on paper (Henry Blackwell and Matt Davis).

LNZ found itself in a spot of bother at 36/4. Good tight bowling coupled with the ‘slow two paced pitch’ taking it’s toll, decimating the top order.

Blackwell and Mark Bassett found them selves together, and quickly showed class and time, waiting for the bad ball to put away, and running well between the wickets. Blackwell fell short of his hundred on debut (92), however, as a consultation, would have his name etched in the record books with Bassett for the highest 5^(th) wicket partnership in club history.

[The 5^(th) wicket partnership record which has stood for 16 years (155* M Deane & C Shaw) ].

2 more wickets then fell in 3 balls bringing Matt Knarston to the crease, who quickly found the boundary, before himself falling in the final over of the innings with 3 balls to spare.

Vaughan Robertson strolled in with authority, notifying Bassett he was 95*. Message was clear, and he got the job done, bringing up his LNZ maiden hundred and finishing 102*.

LNZ finished up 242/8, respectable after the start, but always felt 30 short with a drying wicket, and a strong opposition.

Four Elms didn’t waste any time getting going, smashing the first ball of their innings for 4 and didn’t let up, off to a flyer, 80 from the first 8 overs without loss. A number of ¼ chances went to hand, but nothing would stick.

Highlights in the field;

Veteran bowler Tony Penman and stand in keeper Cheyne Voss combined to break the opening stand, beaten in the air, Voss didn’t waste any time to get the bails off, destroying all 3 stumps in his excitement, an angry Leith Cowie with 2 wicket, diving catch from the unlikely Michael Gane and a ‘Marty Conway’ special LBW off Gane

Four Elms always looked comfortable in their chase, knocking the runs off comfortably with 5 overs to spare, 5 wickets down. Great day out, fantastic company and perhaps most importantly, the best lunch and cakes anywhere you will find near a cricket pitch.