Goodrich CC took on their Worcester League neighbours Ross-on-Wye CC on Sunday, June 14th, and the Avenue bathed in summer sunshine was the perfect setting for a thrilling afternoon's cricket.
Youth was on the side of both teams as each of them played with only one player over the age of 21. Ross Captain, Bevan, won the toss and asked Goodrich to field.
A ferocious opening burst from the Goodrich skipper O'Brien (1 for 21) resulted in a wicket bringing Bevan to the crease. He looked good until losing his off-stump to a brilliant ball from Joe Griffiths (4 for 18).
Ross wickets fell at regular intervals thanks to good fielding led by newcomer Dale Brooke and wickets from a fuzzy looking Andy Evans (4-16). Only some lusty blows down the order from Porter managed to pull Ross up to 81 all out.
The Goodrich openers strolled out to the middle confident of an easy victory but the Ross bowlers had other ideas. Howie struck early for Ross with a good ball to get rid of Fuller. Constant pressure from Bevan (3-18), at the other end, led to some poor shots and running as Goodrich slid to 40 for 5 at tea.
Sam Griffiths and Ellis Rutsch then dug in but both were dismissed to leave the game dramatically poised at 65 for 7 with Tiffin bowling well.
It was left to the two star men of the day, Joe Griffiths and Andy Evans, to see Goodrich home to victory.