5 Star Trevett Unable to Prevent Smugglers Win

Opening with the firebrand Tom Cole alongside near-veteran Simon Barrett, Triangle found scoring difficult as the brand new surface proved to be very lively indeed and it wasn't long before Chalky was calling for extra protection in the form of his arm guard. The pair soon adjusted to the wicket, and put on a very useful 48 runs for the first wicket, as young Cole threw his bat with gusto on his way to 29. It was Barrett who fell first to a controversial lbw decision given by Grant Neven, as there was more than a hint of bat before pad.

The skipper sent himself in and followng a lusty shot for 4 down to cow corner, he was foxed completely by the Dorset Echo's Paul Baker's first ball which hit halfway up middle stump as Stewkes played a pull shot (see pic). Ian Loke was in and out in a blink of an eye as Sicknote saw the wickets tumble from the non-striker's end and was joined by youth prospect, Alistair "Campbell" Chapman. Cole was next to go the second of Baker's victims, and left Chapman, now joined by Steve Cove, to build on the good start of the openers. Alas the young lads weren't quite up to it, and as veteran sluggers Dr. John Walker and Conrad Cole suffered from pad rash on the boundary, Chapman and Cove added just 8 runs in the last few overs, as Triangle finished on 78-5.

With just 10 players available, and Richard Stewkesbury and Club Captain, Director, Head Groundsman and Secretary Graham Elenor refusing to take to the field after a dispute over selection policy, a young lad on the sidelines was asked if he would like a game and he duly accepted. Luke Heritage was given the task of opening the attack, but his nerves betrayed him and was lucky to escape from his 2 over spell conceding just 13 runs. Smugglers, with their batting line up strenghtened by Weymouth's Hugh Bowden were undaunted as they chased the target and Chapman was to feel the heat the most as he was set upon by the openers, but recovered well to finish with 2 wickets.

With defeat looming at alarming speed Stewkesbury turned to the late call-up wearing a green t-shirt and Reebok Pump ensemble, who made good use of the lively wicket removing Bowden almost immediately. Bill Trevett then went on to remove the rest of the middle order in an electric spell taking 5 wickets for just 9 runs. This however wasn't enough, as Baker stood firm to hit the winning runs, a six off Tom Cole's first ball (following 3 wide deliveries) as Smugglers ended Triangle's hopes of an opening day victory.