Once again, we had an excellently managed match. Jan excelled and we knew that we would be in good hands with everything under control and a great match report written by the match manager. He was with us in spirit if not in person. We welcomed our newest recruit, Nick. Fortunately, he found his way from the station despite his requests for transport being ignored. We were on time(ish) and after a quick strip in the open (much to the surprise of a lady dog-walker) we were ready to go. Williams delivered the kit bag. Pointer didn't. Fortunately we were able to get by with just the one.



In the field

Mark showed how it was done again, opening with a maiden. WG (aka "Sean") was not as economical as usual. Mark was obviously influenced by this and was tonked heavily in his second over. "Arshe" and King Dick put the brakes on, Dickie carrying on his run of wickets. The next pairing of Peter and Tim brought a different feel to the bowling attack - Churchie kept it tight. Tim's opening three balls were: very wide, even wider, wicket. The runs were starting to flow. Colin and Graham were made to pay by an increasingly confident batting attack. Bond managed a creditable 2 for 16 whilst "Arshe" and "Sean" were brought back to finish the innings. 161 to chase - a tall order for a pitch with a big boundary.



Batting

The innings started well. 12 off the first over, 9 off the second. Longbottom was looking in immense form. "Arshe" on the other hand was playing a supporting role and lost his wicket when a fine glance was too fine and ended in the keeper's gloves. King Dick then strode to the crease. After the first quick single he decided that there was only one way to do this - four runs...then bowled. Churchie's return to the side was eagerly anticipated. He did not disappoint with a trade-mark straight lofted four over the bowler's head. He attempted this again but his timing was a bit off. Just like King Dick, he wasn't going to be sprinting between the wickets. Meanwhile, Longbottom was showing how it needed to be done and retired on 28. Peter got himself bowled (saving further pain from trying to run). Our new recruit, Nick, looked comfortable for the first delivery, decided to let-loose on the second only to be well caught. Showing promise... Bond's the name was next...Duck Bond. Obviously inspired by Nick, he too holed out to a catch without bothering the scorer. Mark, on the other hand, scratched about a bit, posting the second highest score (12!) before falling... We were now into the tail. Colin showed some inspiration with a creditable tickle (with the bat) before being caught just like the others. Tim got bat on ball quite convincingly on several occasions (including a 4) but, now in partnership with Graham who had gone to steady the ship, a terrible event happened. Tim was out. LBW. But it wasn't given. In the meantime, Graham had seen the opportunity to get the run. He ran. Tim didn't. Tim went back to his crease and Graham was left stranded far from home. I think that we may have to have an award for the most gratuitous use of the word f**k in a sentence. Graham would be a strong contender. Enter WG. His newfound freedom around the crease was to be tested but not before Tim was bowled. In came the 'Bottom for round 2. It was a hopeless task needing over 20 runs an over. The 'Bottom was paying for his average, taking the odd single here and there. WG had the award for "best supporting batsman", scoring nothing but carrying his bat. It is rumoured that he played several classical forward defensive shots but that may have been a trick of the light. In the end, 92-9 was the result.



Jonno would be proud. We are officially mid table after two matches.