Cup Match washed out

Cup Match 2010 ended in a disappointing draw as rain washed out most of the second day’s play.

The storms which interrupted the opening skirmishes on Thursday continued to disrupt the action. Little over two hours play was possible this morning – just enough time for Somerset to bowl St George’s out for 223 – three more than their first innings total.

And that was it.

The rain that prevented Somerset’s second innings from starting on schedule at around 11.30am never stopped. A draw was finally called mid afternoon as the deluge continued.

The sun did not come out until hours later when most of the crowd had gone home. Those that remained were either embroiled in their own pick-up games or partying the evening away oblivious to the weather or the cricket.

In truth this was a match that never really got started.

It will be remembered more for individual performances than the drama of the contest.

An accomplished 72 from 17-year-old Deunte Darrell was the mainstay of Somerset’s first innings. The youngster showed immense promise mixing dashing strokeplay with dogged determination to hold his team together on day one.
And it is possible that Cup Match 2010 will go down in history as the game in which a major new talent announced his arrival on the scene. 

But it was a more familiar face - Malachi Jones - who stole the show.

He lit up the opening day with a blistering half-century featuring some of the most clinical hitting you will ever see. His 57 came at better than a run-a-ball and featured a couple of sixes that shook the rafters of the upper tier – testing the workmanship of Burt Construction’s temporary stands.

It was Jones again who provided the spark on Friday morning, showing his all round credentials with a superb spell of pace bowling.

He took three wickets in his first two overs of the day to raise Somerset’s hopes of a shock win.

St George’s had resumed in a commanding position – 134-3 in their first innings after Somerset’s declaration on 220-8.

But Jones’ devastating spell, including the prize wicket of Lionel Cann for a duck, left them in trouble.

And it took a fine knock of 63 from OJ Pitcher combined with some powerful hitting from Alan Douglas jr (19) and solid support from Rodney Trott (20) to take them beyond Somerset’s first innings total.

A superb diving catch from Jekon Edness followed by a similarly athletic take from Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock ensured the lead was limited to just three runs. Jones ended up with four for 51 and his all-round performance will surely earn him the MVP award.

A draw always looked likely at that stage. And when the rain came before Somerset faced a ball it was almost guaranteed.

The crowd lingered as brief glimpses of sun broke through. But there was to be no more play and the trophy will remain in the east for another year.