After a few years of fixtures being rained out, we finally got to meet the lads from Craig Matthews Band. The visitors were highly spirited and eager to bat when skipper Sam won the toss.
Things didn’t start terribly well for CMB, with Craig McNaught (2/12 from 4) getting rid of both opening batters and Johann Agenbag at the other end just as good with the new ball, recording figures of 1/11 from his 4 overs, including two maidens.
Fresh off a World Cup victory for the Proteas Over 40s, Pieter Booysen joined the attack and was, quite literally, unplayable. With steep bounce and genuine pace, conceding just 3 runs from his 2 overs, Pieter had to be removed from the attack prematurely to make way for Herman Fourie and Bruce Taylor before drinks.
Bruce started with a maiden, but deteriorated big time as he travelled at 8 an over, somehow picking up a wicket from a full toss that was spooned to mid-on for an easy catch. Pushing up the hill, Herman Fourie took a few deliveries to find his length as he offered a mix of offies and leggies to the middle order. A super catch behind the stumps from Jono Boulton and a leggie that went through the gate gave Harry 2 wickets from his 4 overs, while he conceded 27 runs.
Young Callum Woolley (1/20 from 4) was sublime after drinks as be bowled in very good areas and picked up a well deserved wicket. With the opposition in serious trouble at 8 down, the two wicket-keepers in the side, Jono Boulton and Mark Nel, were asked to bowl to the tail.
The plan back-fired with both part-timers claiming a wicket and brining the innings to a close in the 25th over. Craig Matthews Band had been bowled out for 132.
After the lunch break, the Booysen brothers were given the opportunity to open the batting for Groot Drak.
Albert Booysen (27 from 25) did his best to keep his brother on strike as Pieter put on a batting masterclass. Finding the fielder on only a few occasions, Pieter Booysen breezed his way to 51 from just 20 deliveries before retiring in the shade.
With the game firmly in the bag, Wessel Lourens (17* from 26) and Mark Nel (21* from 13) didn’t have a huge amount of work to do as they guided Groot Drak to victory in the 15th over.
The game may have been won, but the players were all keen for another knockabout, so a quick 10-over-per-innings match was organised, which was a fair deal tighter than the first game.
After all was said and done, both teams enjoyed a beverage on the pitch and then dished out fines in front of the clubhouse. Thanks to Sam and the rest of the CMB chaps for a lovely day – we look forward to seeing them all again very soon.
Man of the match: Pieter Booysen
Match report by Craig McNaught
