SADS in Last Ball Thriller!!


Tuesday evening saw a cold and bleak Sandpit lane. The long grass on the outfield and the overcast sky belied the fireworks and excitement to come.

With diligent planning and prescient forethought, Shedders and Robbo laid out the boundary markers, careful to allow a large indent over wide long on at the road end.

While our resident chemist struggled with the new fangled alarm system, ultimately putting the code into the right box on the wall rather than reprogramming the central heating system, a decision was made to allow the oppo to bat.

Before a ball could be bowled in anger, however, skipper Jones call the team into a huddle. Bemused, but ultimately mightily relieved this wasn't some form of group wanking session, we were delighted to be introduced to 2 SADDOES on debut, CRS (still none the wiser) and Richard P. Pleasingly they were kitted out in SADDO uniform under Michael's "buy before you try" policy.

Initial "warm up" activity had revealed 2 things. The wicket was slow and low and Curtis can hit the stumps. He was at least careful not to repeat this with batsmen present.

BMW Tembros and Nighters opened up with what is best described as a slightly mixed bag. New boy 'keeper Richard was kept busy both sides of the wicket as the All Stars progressed to 26 for 0 off 4.

Next up was Rupert and WG. In a Jekyll and Hyde spell, Rupert delivered one over of industrial filth allowing the openers to retire, before being replaced by alter ego The Shed who interspersed yorkers with unplayable and cleaned up their No. 3 for no score. At the other end, WG whirled away conservatively, ultimately forcing a false shot lofted towards the skipper at long on. The shot was a powerful one and although not a lot of movement was required to reach the steepling ball, a difficult chance went to ground.

By now the SADDO attack was producing a volume of extras not seen since the last indoor season and it remains to be seen how wides would have "retired" - probably at 25 rather than the end of an over which might never have arrived.

Simon restored good order with a very tidy spell (1 for 7) and deserved more success. CRS was also parsimonious, bowling a nagging line 2 foot outside leg stump.

Curtis exploited the uneven bounce to gain an LBW decision courtesy of the All Stars Aussie ringer and Michael's flight and guile fooled no one - apart from me at extra cover.

Winners and Robbo closed the innings tidily enough with a wicket apiece leaving a tantalising target of 111.


In reply, the SADDO innings was opened by Curtis and Roberts, the latter anxious to avoid a King Pair. Curtis looked less anxious to do this and after a couple of lusty blows was caught by Alvin Jr at cover. The Shed (now batting as Rupert) and Winners came and went quickly and progress was slow on a wicket that was always difficult to read. Alvins were decidedly less generous with their donation of wides and runs were hard to come by. Robbo was joined by Richard and then by Simon and the score crept forward. Nighters replaced Robbo on retirement and momentum picked up with both batsmen starting to hit more freely. With 5 overs left we were still 40 short. Simon fell and skipper Jones strode to the wicket. With more smears than a US election campaign Michael edged us forward. 3 overs left and 23 needed. Nighters biffed and Jonesy nurdled. 1 over left. 11 needed. Nighters get us 1, Jonesy smashes a 4, then dot balls, then goes for a huge heave and is bowled! One ball left. 6 needed. BMW motors smoothly to the wicket. The field goes back. Every man on the boundary. It's floated up - and Marcos smashed it - clearing the salient in the boundary at wide long on at the road end! Absolutely awesome.

Queue a middle aged, slightly excited pitch invasion, man hugs and general dis-belief!


Retirement to the R&C and large pints of Proper Job. Great evening and great game.