**Match Report: Royal Hampshire County Hospital Cricket Club vs. Crawley Crows**

**Venue:** Crawley Cricket Ground
**Date:** Thursday, 20th June 2024
**Match Type:** 20 Overs per side, normal rules

**Weather:** Beautiful sunny conditions, perfect for cricket

**Toss:** Crawley won the toss and elected to bat

### First Innings: Crawley Batting

The evening began with Crawley opting to bat first on their home ground. The Royal Hampshire County Hospital Cricket Club (RHCCC) bowlers came out firing, led by the exceptional performance of Steve Kidd. Kidd made an immediate impact by dismissing Crawley's captain in the very first over with a superb delivery, setting the tone for RHCHCC's bowling attack. He then dismissed their number three for a duck in his second over. His final figures of 4-0-16-2 were a testament to his skill and accuracy.

At the other end, Stephen Poole provided valuable support with his disciplined bowling, ending with figures of 3-1-14-1. Poole's wicket-maiden in the second over further tightened RHCCC's grip on the innings. Davies dropped a catch at cover but his blushes were saved two balls later when the batsmen knicked off and Cable took an excellent one handed catch to his right hand side! Crawley were three wickets down inside 4 overs!

Crawley's middle order found momentum through Tom Symonds, who scored a brisk 30 not out (came back in the last over after the whole team had been dismissed), guiding his team to a competitive total. However, the combined efforts of Max Johnston (3-0-15-1), Sam (2-0-14-0), Benoy (2-0-2-0), and Axum (2-1-1-1) restricted Crawley to 105 all out in their allotted 20 overs. Notably, Gregory McEwan's last-minute heroics with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 5 runs, added to RHCCC's dominant bowling display. The fine catch by Steve Poole at cow-corner off Max's bowling should be noted - it really was very good.

**Fielding Highlights:**
Wicketkeeper Andy Cable showcased his prowess behind the stumps with two excellent catches and two crucial runouts. His agility and alertness were instrumental in tightening RHCCC's grip on the match.

### Second Innings: RHCHCC Batting

Chasing a target of 106 for victory, RHCHCC's openers Lorne McEwan and David Sheppard laid a solid foundation with both retiring not out at 25. Their aggressive stroke play, including several boundaries and a six from Sheppard, set the stage for a comfortable run chase. This was the first time in my memory that both openers retired not out. Wonderful stuff. I will remember Lorne's smash into the Pavilion which sent the spectators flying!

Following their retirements, Nish smashed his way to a quickfire 14 including three fours, before the experienced duo of Stephen Kidd and Stephen Poole took charge. Poole's unbeaten 16, featuring three boundaries, combined with Kidd's aggressive cameo that included a massive six, ensured RHCHCC reached the target with three overs to spare.

Axum, not required to score a run, celebrated with the team as RHCHCC secured victory by 7 wickets, finishing on 106 for 3.

### Conclusion

The match was a testament to RHCHCC's all-round performance, with standout contributions from Steve Kidd with the ball and Lorne McEwan and David Sheppard with the bat. The team's disciplined bowling effort restricted Crawley, setting up a successful run chase under picturesque evening conditions.

Special recognition goes to Andy Cable for his exceptional performance behind the stumps, which included two catches and two runouts, showcasing his impact in the field.

Special thanks were extended to Crawley for their hospitality, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the evening for both teams.

**Man of the Match:** Steve Kidd for his impactful bowling performance.

RHCHCC looks forward to carrying this momentum into future matches, buoyed by their strong performance and camaraderie on and off the field.