Match report for Fishers 6/6/2024

It was a welcome return to the field of dreams in Verulamium Park. The sun was shining for an away fixture on our traditional “home” ground. The wicket was an absolute picture of perfection with no rabbit holes and a lovely green hue. The outfield had been mown… but several weeks ago, it seemed.
Preparations had not gone well, a shortage of players made worse by illness and explosions in London. Fortunately, the oppo had one extra, so Steve Marley was kindly loaned to us, so we were only one short.

Sads were put in to bat with the interesting opening partnership of Richard (I’m going to get my 1000 runs this year) Williams, and David (I’m not getting out to this bunch) Clamp. It was a cautious start, more reminiscent of a 5-day test than a T20. Williams eventually holed out with a C&B. Dot, dot, dot, dot, dot, out! Hmm, that 1000 runs is looking a long way away. Clampers was dogged in his determination to stay in at all costs. The umpires overheard some sniping from the batting team, along the lines of “just give him out anyway”. This seemed to come from 1000 run-seeker himself.

Busted was in fine form, giving it a good smack and on the point of retiring before being dismissed on 22 by a superb catch from one of the younger members of the opposition. This positive batting elicited a backhanded compliment from the 1000 run-seeking Welshman: “Busted has been shit for years and has finally come good”. Robbo was also looking like he was heading for retirement but was caught on 22.

Young Toby Roberts was undaunted by the challenge and looked on form before being beaten by a ball that barely rose above the turf. Unlucky. Dippers was struggling to get to grips with the “consistent bounce” but kept the runs coming, accelerating at the end with a glorious 6 before retiring on the maximum.

Time for Paggers to enter the battle, adopting the pose of a seasoned cricketer before reverting to type and hacking around and finally falling to a decent catch for 3. Meanwhile, the Corporal shocked the crowd by playing several shots with both hands on the bat. He stuck in there to see out the overs, accompanied by our player on loan, Steve. WG was, as always, padded up but not needed.

So, a total of 108. Normally not enough but with the variable bounce and slow outfield, it might be possible to defend. Indeed, things looked good to start with just 10 runs off the first 4 overs, Dippers and WG keeping things tight. Busted and Roberts Jnr came in as the batsmen were finding their rhythm. A special mention for Toby who took 2 wickets with some clever flight and guile. Our loan player kept the batsmen guessing whilst the 1000 run-seeking Welshman bowled some tight deliveries to keep us in with a shout. Corporal Jones proved the phrase, “shit takes wickets” as he delivered a rank long-hop which barely got above the deck and would have been a no-ball if the toe of the batsman’s boot hadn’t prevented it from hitting the turf again. That look of joy and triumph made the evening worthwhile.

For the death overs, Robbo, Dippers and WG tried to keep the runs down but the oppo were seeing the ball well. It was tight. They needed 3 runs off three balls. Then 3 off 2. Then they hit a 4, bringing a really close match to the end.

Off to the Six Bells for a beer and a debrief. But, what is this? We were charged for our sausage and chips. We were assured that under a Liberal Democratic government this would never happen. Note that a full list of candidates is available on our website.
What did we learn? Young Roberts has a cricketing career ahead of him. Even with two players down, we were able to match a full-strength opposition. The field of dreams is still a wonderful venue. Williams stands no chance of getting 1000 runs this season (unless it is against his bowling). Onwards and upwards!