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[frooper11]

Evening all,

So, saw that Lashings were in town against Downend CC, so took the afternoon off and jumped on a bus to Downend from the centre of Bristol. I've been to and played at most of the grounds in and around Bristol but having never been to Downend CC I was keen to go and take a look.

I must say I was very impressed by the afternoon's events, free to watch for the average man off the street and a very decent standard of cricket. The Lashings side included one Michael Carberry who opened the batting with former England, Lancs and Surrey leggy Chris Schofield. Carberry made 60 odd off 35 odd balls (boundaries at Downend are quite short) before being pouched at point by a smart catch.

Now I can't remember Chris Schofield being all that gifted with the bat and this may have been down to the quality of the bowling faced but he carried his bat to 135 (ish) not out off 80 something balls with some effortless sixes out the ground. Herschelle Gibbs made 2 before being bowled, Martin Bicknell came in and retired in single figures to make way for a guest local player who'd bid to appear in the game. Mark Alleyne hit a decent 30 odd to take Lashings to a total of 254 off their 30 overs.

The Lashings side also included one G Greenidge, Ian Harvey, Devon Malcolm, Saqlain Mushtaq, Corey Collymore and Daffy Defreitas. Downend set off at a decent pace and kept up with the required rate, with Bicknell and Collymore opening the bowling. One of the main highlights for me were the two young Downend players batting at 3 and 4. I was informed by a local that the number 3 was only 16, he hit Corey Collymore for 3 superb sixes, much to his disgust, with his partner who looked even younger depositing Devon Malcolm into the road. The hitting continued with John Bracewells nephew pummeling a quick fire 50.

Whilst the run chase sadly failed with the home side falling some 25 runs short it was an excellent afternoon of cricket in the sun (one side of my face testifies this)

The undoubted highlight for me was meeting Henry Blofeld himself along with Mrs Blowers.

If Lashings are in your area I'd recommend popping along for a few hours.

[jamferg]

and did carrbery whinge about anything? .... quality of tap water? selection policy of local team? 

[Ayrtek Cricket]

Very good afternoons cricket and the sun even put in an appearance, caught up with MC after the game who said he really enjoyed the day (especially the pint sized boundaries!)

Callum Loud i think was the #4 that played the pull shot well and Curtis Blakemore who came in lower down the order and tee'd off with a 6 looked very good.

[spoonbed]

Is he anything to do with the Loud that plays for St Mary Redcliffe?

[Kieron_BT]

Played Lashings a couple of years back. Amazing day and something I'll never forget. You just don't realise how good pros really are until you play in a game like that. James Marshall and Ian Butler were different class with the bat.

[Byo]

Is he anything to do with the Loud that plays for St Mary Redcliffe?

Yeah its his son - decent player!!

Curtis Blakemore who came in lower down the order and tee'd off with a 6 looked very good.

Curtis used to play for us - we were gutted when he left but you cant stop younger players making the step up a couple of leagues!!!

[spoonbed]

Thought it must be- Jason's a decent cricketer and a decent bloke

[Neon Cricket]

Good to hear about Callum, he had a fair bit of kit off us earlier in the year - seems like a great young lad and very keen on his cricket! Plays for Gloucestershire Youth, one to keep an eye on

[frooper11]

Certainly will. Great to see young cricketers doing well against ex pro's. Some top quality cricket to be had on your doorstep.