Despite half-a-dozen rain breaks, both Ardleigh Green and Gidea Park were determined to finish off this under-11 league match and the hardened away supporters (parents!) were rewarded with a Father's Day victory!
As is their wont, Gidea chose to field when winning the toss and made an instant breakthrough, cancelling out 5 runs through the first over with a wicket on the final ball from Jack Marsh.
From then on, the away side looked pretty much in control until a star partnership from the third pair took the Central Park side from 229 to 247 and there looked the possibility of a tough target.
Not to worry as Simeon Barker (2 wickets for 9) and Alfie Mollison (1 maiden, 1 for 2) restricted the home side to one single run (nett) and when Oliver Daniels (3 for 8) spun the final pairing for three wickets, the final total of 241 looked achievable by a team containing several big scorers.
This was no ordinary day however with constant rain interruptions, a surface that was close to too slippery to play, and a slow outfield.
Opening for the vistors, Cayden Shanahan and Oliver Daniels proved great entertainment as they went for every possible run. It may have cost them two unnecessary run-outs but their bravery took the score to 218 after their four overs, with the former standing out with three boundaries and a total of 18.
The players were sent out not only to be wary of conditions but also of the score and not to give anything away. Progress was steady and whilst there was a stumble in the middle, by the 13th over Park stood at 232. Losing just one further wicket in the 17th over was never going to be enough for the home team to defend and Park easily blocked their was through the final few balls. They play as a cohesive unit, supporting each other with every member playing their part and some very enthusiastic and vocal team members.
Played in tough conditions, the attitude of all the players should be commended, and the feeling still remains that Gidea Park can raise this up another level, hopefully in sunshine next time.
AG and HAB 241 v GPRCC 266