Buccaneers (295-5 dec) beat The Mote (107) by 188 runs
The Buccaneers arrived at Mote Park in Maidstone knowing they had to deliver a good performance to make up for the disappointments of previous years at this famous old ground and show the Kent club they intended to provide them with more than just batting practice.
As The Mote pitch is now usually slow, low and offering turn, very similar to sub-continental tracks in fact, skipper Kim Ross was delighted to be able to call upon 3 players who learnt their trade in India.
The Indians did not disappoint. Having been invited to bat first, the Buccs made a solid start with Jeremy Milne playing some delightful cuts and Sujay Chakravarti providing staunch support. Following a classic dialogue of “yes, no, yes, maybe, no” Milne was run out for 27 with Sujay caught behind for 18 shortly afterwards.
Freddie Greenish showed his intent early on with some impressive driving down the ground before being bowled for 40. Subir Chakravarti joined Ghatak and they quickly showed that their experience of Indian pitches would prove helpful in Maidstone. Ghatak, in particular, illustrated the importance of waiting for the ball to come on to the bat and showed how to be “wristy” on slow pitches.
This pair lifted the score to 228 before Ghatak departed trying to up the tempo for a well-played 69. Ross and Subir took on the spinners and added some quick runs before
the Buccs captain was caught and bowled for 37. Ludo Milne and Subir continued the attack until the declaration at a handsome 295-5, Subir finishing unbeaten on 61.
Richard Manyon and Paul Hobson opened the Buccs bowling impressively with Hobo taking a wicket in his first over after tweaking an arm muscle and completing the over with leg spin. The jury is still out as whether this was a tactical ploy or a genuine injury as Hobo proceeded to bowl another 10 overs of medium pace showing no sign of injury and picking up a total of 4 wickets.
Spinners Milne and Greenish also took a wicket apiece as Milne bowled 5 successive maidens. Manyon returned to the attack and got a memorable scalp with a jaffa which pitched middle and hit off before young Milne wrapped up the Mote innings.
The whole team made valuable contributions to one of the Buccaneers’ biggest victories over the renowned Kent club with Ludo Milne keeping very tidily and promising a bright future with bat and gloves.