It’s a pity Bowden 2nd XI didn’t produce more displays over the course of this season like Saturday’s thumping of St Michaels. Victory by 108 runs represented the side’s biggest winning margin for a while as they totally dominated the match from the first ball.
Openers Gary Waterfield (25) and Danny Varnsverry (32) got Bowden off to an excellent start at just under a run a ball and that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Fergus Clarke (78) played a particularly powerful innings punishing anything that was wayward from an attack that wearied quickly. And he got plenty of support from Steve Oldfield (12) and captain Fergus Kenny (35). With some late order hitting from Henry Hall (11) and Lee Munton (12)the side were able to post an imposing 230 as the side lost its last wicket in the final over.
After the tea interval Bowden set about their task with an intensity that had been lacking over the previous few matches. Ed Ingram (4 for 26) claimed the vital wicket of St Michael’s best batsmen, Will Kingston, for a single and the home side were on a roll. Tom Reeve (2 for 16) bowled with real purpose and control and the spinners Fergus Clarke (2 for 42) and Lee Munton (2 for 12) got amongst the wickets too. Only Dave Tebbutt (30) showed any patience for the visitors and with six players registering single figure scores Bowden wrapped up the St Michael’s innings for 122 in the 39th over in the gathering gloom.
Whilst technically relegated, Bowden will wait to see what happens in the closed season and hope for a reprieve should a promoted side further down the league structure be unable to fulfil ground requirements.