A marathon knock of 81 not out from Dave Taylor gained Prestwich another 4 points this weekend as Thornham were despatched courtesy of a well timed run chase as Jon O’Connor explains……..
Reflection perhaps, is the enthusiasts privilege. It allows a game to be replayed in the mind with the introduction of countless twists. It allows what was seen in the moment, to be modified by the mind to suit the result.
To that end, I reflect on a game of immaculate timing. Not in the bat on ball sense particularly, though brief moments of excellence were to be had, particularly Dave Taylor’s sublime straight six, but more in the sense of a perfectly timed Prestwich response to a respectable total of 174 for 7 set by a resolute Thornham.
A somewhat unconventional opening thrash to 18 by Thornam’s Hughes, was met with an assured and disciplined response from upcoming youngster Nick Carter, who counts line and length balls, like trainspotters count type 20’s through Gloucester.
As sure as as the type 20’s numbers are inevitably recorded, Carter recorded Hughes in his wicket column. Thornham’s response to a generally good Prestwich bowling effort, was a slow but wicket preserving march to 104 for 4 from 38 overs. Yates’ 47 not out formed the backbone of the innings, which with a final flourish totalled 174 for 7.
If today’s quickening society reveres the bold and brash, then the Prestwich response was firmly fixed in the past, but with the aid of reflection lets not write that off as lacking just yet. The hidden trainspotter in us all, can secretly enjoy a slow accumulation of runs, whilst perhaps outwardly craving the adrenalised quick finish.
If twenty twenty is the three round knock out, then John Fiorentini (48) and Dave Taylor (81 n.o.) jabbed Thornham through ten of a twelve round decision, without looking for the perfunctory crowd pleasing knock out, whilst avoiding too much damage. When Fiorentini fell, O’Connor (20) partnered Taylor in the jabbing, by now though, upping the tempo of the percussion as the towel was beginning to be gathered in the Thornham corner. His demise left 23 required, from the remaining 5 overs, which were to be picked off with three overs remaining.
A team is born by believe in one another, which this type of unruffled response brings. Timed to the precision of the Japanese bullet train, though not the speed, this was one for the trainspotters.
