See also Part 1 (by Michael Bosomworth)
Romany v Chichester Priory Park - Tuesday 5 August
Rain delayed start. 25 over match played. Both teams played two overseas guest players and two strong sides lined up against each other. Romany’s overseas players were Harwood Williams from St Kitts/West Indies and Simon Doyle (Aged 18) from Cape Town/South Africa. Chichester played two young top Grade Australian cricketers.
Romany were invited to bat and started strongly with Andrew Veale scoring a rapid 46 supported by Simon Doyle (26) and Harwood Williams 27. Romany ended up with 173 which looked a little light with the Ozzies waiting in the wings.
The crowds assembled for Chichester's response. Romany started well with Simon Doyle (bowling near the 80 mph mark) and Matthew Loughlin (bowling considerably slower) taking a wicket apiece in their opening overs, dismissing both Chichester's openers. Bishop, the young Aussie club professional, then arrived at the crease and proceeded to carve up the bowling attack, scoring a quick fire 79, putting his side ahead of the run rate before falling to the spin and guile of Toby Jacklin who had him caught at mid wicket.
However, Chichester's side was packed with good batting and the mid order placed them in a strong position to win the match. With one over left Chichester required 3 to win and 2 to tie, with 3 wickets in hand. Enter man of the match Harwood Williams for Romany who took 3 wickets for one run in the last over, helped by some brilliant fielding from Matthew Loughlin at deep square leg who took two diving catches (one off the last ball) to win the match for Romany.
Romany were then treated to some excellent hospitality at the Chichester club which included some beer and a BBQ.
Romany v Singleton - Wednesday 6 August
40 Over Match. Romany fielded a number of its more senior players in this match but still had a good balanced side. Losing the 4th consecutive toss on tour the captain became affectionately known as a losing tosser for the remainder of the tour.
Singleton decided to bat on a warm day and started strongly with father and son opening and putting on 76 for the first wicket. Robinson then came in at no 3 and scored a hard hitting 111 before being bowled by Harwood Williams. Singleton's 254 for 6 looked a competitive total. Simon Doyle for Romany produced the best bowling figures taking 3 for 28 off 8 overs.
Romany decided to promote the hard hitting Loughlin up the batting order to get them off to a good start and he didn't disappoint, scoring 69 including 5 sixes. Toby Jacklin batted well for his 49 with Harwood Williams supporting (31). Andrew Veale was unbeaten on 34 and Andrew Grayshon unbeaten on 15, securing a victory for Romany with 6 balls to go.
One performance of note for Singleton was the bowling performance of the captain's 13 year old daughter (Chichester and Sussex) who bowled a menacing medium quick spell troubling some of Romany's best batsmen and claiming the wicket of Toby Jacklin. We then BBQ`ed and drank beer with the opposition until dusk.
PL - 16.8.2008