Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2024
Cornwall Cricket League Division 4 East
St Stephen 79 all out in 35.2 overs
Menheniot Looe 80-3 off 16 overs
St Stephen is an attractive village around 7 miles north west of St Austell. A dry day wasn't to be missed. There were still cricket fixtures being postponed for sodden pitches this weekend. Thankfully, it was game on at The Recreation Ground. I learned this was the visitors first opportunity for a playable game since the season started, and goodness me, how they seemed to enjoy it.
Weather
Sunshine and cloud. Bit of a chilly breeze when the sun disappeared.
Attendance
Couple of dozen punters, some sat in cars or around the pavilion.
Bring Your Own Chair Necessity?
For me, it's a yes. There is a bench beside the sight screen at the top of the field which offers a good view. The club also put around a dozen chairs out around the pavilion area. I found another bench at the bottom end of the pitch, but with the slope of the playing area, this particular vantage point wasn't too good.
The joy of the St Stephen ground is getting a spot at the top end, nearest the village, for that you'd be best to bring along a chair. The backdrop of the sweeping countryside beyond the square is wonderful. You can always park your car in the spacious areas surrounding the action, but best beware of those big hits that could come your way.
Facilities
Smart looking modern pavilion offering refreshments and toilet facilities, digital scoreboard, large free car park behind the entrance to the ground. If you bring children, there are plenty of adjacent playground attractions in clear view of the field. Should the pavilion refreshments not fulfil your needs there is a grocery shop just across the road.
Location
Pretty simple really, take the Newquay posted turning after just leaving St Austell on the road towards Truro. The Newquay road goes straight through St Stephen. At the first crossroads in the village, turn right, the Recreation Ground, which hosts St Stephen CC comes into view on your right.
Match
With the home side at 13 for 5 Menheniot Looe were in dreamland. No disrespect, it must be said some very rash strokes were played & the decision making appeared decidedly haphazard.
At one stage it appeared the entire game would be over before the first drinks break. To their credit the tail certainly wagged for St Stephen. They dug in and accumulated runs on a strict risk assessment basis. It was hard going but at least they gave the visitors some kind of a total to tackle. It little troubled Menheniot Looe, whom strolled through the remaining remnants of the encounter.
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