Henry Comyn hits rapid 151 in high-scoring thriller at Chilmark

Ewen Moore reports: Winning the toss and batting first in the baking sunshine on Chilmark's pint-sized ground was always the plan, but I don't think anybody foresaw the run fest that was to come. Despite the early loss of Henry Smith, bowled unluckily by a shooter, a good platform was laid by Ashley Major and Ben Hendy before Henry Comyn strode out at number 4. Cometh the hour, Comyn the man! The ball was soon flying into the surrounding fields in a brutal display of hitting rarely seen at any level. It was at times Potterne-esque! With support from Hendy, Griffin and Moore, Comyn quickly passed 50 and then 100 and then to 150 off just 60 balls! An astounding knock. Henry was finally dismissed on 151 and although the scoring rate slowed a little and we lost wickets at regular intervals, we pushed on past the 300 mark, finishing the innings on an intimidating 316-9 off our 35 overs.

Spirits were high and the Chilmark tea was excellent and we took to the field feeling confident. The left arm seam of Rich Green and Tim Mockridge kicked us off, but Chilmark were in no mood to concede defeat and their openers scored quickly before Mockridge dispatched them both, removing Brand's middle stump with a peach of a delivery.

This brought in George Stevenson, who was a few weeks ago stranded on 99 in our T20 victory against Chilmark. Unfinished business? It seemed so! The ball was again paying frequent visits to nearby fields and they remained above the required rate. After a nice little cameo with the bat earlier, young Teddy Green was handed the ball and soon the Fonthill faithful who had turned up to watch were jumping for joy as a fizzing leg-spin delivery ripped through Stevenson's defences and clipped the bails. Boom. Surely, that was the game?! Throughout his 7 over spell, Teddy continued to impress and, on another day, could have had much more to show for it. What an exciting prospect he is for the club to have. The future is bright, the future is Green!

Despite Teddy's excellent bowling, the runs continued to flow, and Chilmark's Ed Lewis became the latest batter to be hitting regular sixes and, remarkably, keeping them on the required run-rate. It was squeaky bum time. An excellent run out from our 2024 fielder of the year Ashley Major, and another from Rich plus a great catch in the deep from Comyn were highlights but Lewis passed the three figure mark and while he remained at the crease, WASP was still seesawing to and fro.

With things getting increasingly tense, Henry Smith grabbed the game by its collar and delivered the decisive blow, bowling the game's first maiden and then removing Chilmark's centurion. This left Ash and, appropriately, Comyn to polish of the youthful Chilmark tail. All out for 271. Phew!

It was a difficult afternoon for bowlers and fielders but we can be very proud of the effort we put in and, in particular, another fine performance by Tom 'the spider' Pickford behind the stumps should be noted. With variable bounce, it was a difficult day to keep wicket, but he saved us many runs and was diving around throughout their innings, like his distant cousin, Jordan!

Another superb afternoon of cricket with everyone contributing and another victory over our gracious and hospitable hosts, Chilmark. Thanks to the Fonthill supporters who came down to support, it always means a lot for away games. What a time to be alive! 🏏☀️👏🏻

Editor: What a great game of cricket, a great all round performance by the Fonthill XI, and a great report from captain Ewen Moore who modestly neglected to mention his own fifty. By the way, 316-9 is the Club's highest-ever score. Well done all.