The Purley on Thames CC Indoor League team embarked on the Regional Semi Final of the ECB Indoor National Club Championship yesterday. The team earned their place at Canterbury through being champions of the Berkshire Indoor League competition for the 2021-22 season. This is the second time the team has visited Canterbury in this competition, the first occasion being in 2020 when the team lost in the regional semi final to the Hampshire side Burridge CC.
We set off from the Goosecroft early Sunday morning. The travelling party (missing Drew ‘Thatchers’ Jackson) consisted of Patrick Allen (Captain), Andrew Clarke, Barry Carter (Scorer), George Clarke, George Wellstead (Driver), Paul Reber, Raj Senniappan and Robert Clarke. After a smooth journey the team arrived at the home of Kent County Cricket Club in Canterbury.
The opponents were the University of Kent CC and they came out in force given Kent CCC is their home venue for indoor league matches. After the 2 umpires explained the venue rules and regulations the toss took place, won by Patrick, who elected to bowl first.
We bowled well but struggled to contain the students from running quick singles (3 runs in indoor cricket). A run out and a wicket off the last ball of the innings were our only wickets. The students posted 116 runs which we were happy with. Good bowling from Robert Clarke (1 for 24 off 3 overs) and the skipper (0 for 19 off 3 overs) were the highlights.
The batting innings was not one to dwell on for too long! Some excellent bowling and pretty different batting conditions to the centre we are used to meant the chase soon proved to be a challenge. Andrew Clarke was star of the show with 31 as we were bowled out for 50 to end our stay in the competition for this year.
A very enjoyable day and good experience playing in different surroundings and against different opposition.
There is some more good news for the Indoor League team after they were confirmed as Berkshire Indoor League winners for the 2022-23 season having won 14 of their 16 games. This means another shot at the Regional competition next year!
Match scorecard - Purley on Thames CC Vs University of Kent CC