Devon Cricket Board - Ford and Anning trade views on walking

Ford and Anning trade views on walking

SHOBROOKE Park captain Phil Anning is likely to have stirred up a hornets’ next by comments he has made after the four-wicket run-rate win over Bideford at Westward Ho!
Bideford were all out for 238 in the last of their 45 overs – skipper James Ford (69) and Matt Shepherd (52) both making half centuries.
A rain break brought the target down to 176 to, win, which Shobrooke got with an over and a half to spare.
Victory moves Shobrooke within 15 points of second-placed Bideford with six games to go, starting with Plymstock at home this Saturday.
Anning said he had mixed feelings about winning on run rate, saying: “Not really the way I would want to but that's the way the rules are for all sides.”
What Anning has very firm views on is the apparent lack of honesty by some players when they know they are out but stand their ground, as happened against Bideford.
“Where has 'in the spirit of the game' gone in cricket?” said Anning.
“We have had three people court off the edge and not walk this season - and the umpires have missed.
“This would not worry me if the batsman had no idea, but to then be told a few balls later from the batsmen in question that he smashed it really does make me question how we are coaching players young and old.
“Most of us pay to play because we want to and give up a Saturday to play. That type of person really does make you question if you can really be bothered any more.”
Opposite number Ford was succinct in his response.
“Seems a strange comment as they won,” said Ford.
“It is up to that individual batsman if they want to walk or not.
“If I was the Shobrooke captain I would concentrate on my own team. You take the rough with the smooth.
Ford made the early runs for Bideford and when he went at 166 for six Shepherd, Alex Hannam (22) and tail-enders Fred King (14) and Martin Stewart (16) chipped in well.
Chris Simpson (5-48) was the pick of the Shobrooke bowlers.
Shobrooke had a little wobble from 44 for none to 59 for three after losing Dan Pyle for 35- and at 101 for five they were in no-man’s land.
A stand of 62 between Alvin Pollard (50no) and the ever-youthful Richard Pyle (28) put the game beyond doubt.
“Would have been happy with our score and but for a passing shower it may have been a different result,” said Ford.
“Shobrooke’s strong order batted well to get the reduced target.
“Other results meant not too much harm done.
“We’ve got Tavistock (top) this Saturady and Ivybridge (3rd) in a couple of weeks so some big games to look forward to.”

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