Match Report
Crusaders Lincolnshire Tour Weekend Friday 13th June
With the bare-bones of eleven vaguely fit players and the groupie Chuckles we set off for Fulbeck, travelling in four cars. Skinny and Spud decided to miss the worst of the rush hour traffic, leaving at 4.30. An uneventful journey took in the delightful Home Brew Pub the White Hart at Ufford and they arrived at The Hare and Hounds just after nine o'clock. After a quick pint they made their way across to the cricket ground to await the arrival of the rest of the tour party. Phil had managed to source some ale in the form of Bateman's Middle Wicket and despite wary looks from the locals it was in good form. The journey to Fulbeck is very simple. Take the Al to Grantham, then pick-up the A607 towards Lincoln and - 'Hey Presto'. It requires little planning and only a modicum of common-sense.
Car 1 driven by Jabs and navigated by Tabs somehow found its way halfway up the All towards Newmarket. Doubtless Aftab had decided that a weekend of Disco Dancing in Caister was a better idea than Cricket Tour. It shows that a University education is no replacement for common sense. Car 2 containing the Rehman Brothers decided to head straight to Lincoln, surmising that - Fulbeck being in Lincolnshire - must be close by - ever heard of a map? Car 3 contained the sensible pairing of The Claw and Chuckles. The only concern was that Gordy (the club's equivalent to Mark Thatcher) may get involved in map reading. After several phone calls and the help of locals with directions, all were present and correct just before the first game. Accommodation was provided at the Hare and Hounds and consisted of six en suite double rooms. Fortunately (or was it?) Pommie volunteered to bed-bounce with Chand, which left Damon in a room share with the notoriously restless Gordy. Saturday 14th June Phil had already warned us that the pub was seeking some sort of culinary recognition and breakfast confirmed that it was for art and not substance. Damon was looking slightly dishevelled, complaining that he hadn't slept a wink due to Gord's constant rustling. Apparently when he wasn't rustling he was up and down to the loo turning lights on and off or going out for an early morning jog. Others moaned about snoring bed partners and duvet huggers. Personally I slept like a baby Unperturbed though slightly under-fed the party split, with some heading for Grantham, whilst others made the short trip to the Stag Inn at Barkston. This excellent Everard's house offered Beacon and Tiger and both were in fine fettle. The weather, which had been fine all morning decided to take a turn for the worse, with a heavy cloud-burst threatening our scheduled game with Fulbeck. Fortunately it was brief and the skies cleared quickly. 14 th June -v- Fulbeck at Fulbeck CC The journey from Hotel to Ground was approximately 50 yards, so it was no surprise that The Grantham Contingent struggled to make the 2.00 start. Apparently they were held at a Police roadblock for the Grantham Carnival - the excuses get better each week. The tourists were given the option to bat and on a flat, but green wicket found the going difficult. Gord and Jabs struggled against accurate bowling, falling in quick succession. Damon and TC took the score to 43, before John was run out for 17 (for once John appeared in the frame and was not convinced it was the correct decision). The next seven overs yielded only six runs, the loss of Damon and all of a sudden we were looking in danger of posting a very poor score.
Chand finally gave a glimpse of maturity and patience, batting (almost) sensibly with the Skip. In a blustery partnership they added 73 in 13 overs to give the score a more respectable appearance. Chand eventually, perished for a well-deserved 52 and then the tail wagged, with good contributions from Mr Taylor and Sleeping Beauty. At the end of forty avers we had set a challenging score of 162. Fulbeck had bowled and fielded capably, but unfortunately found the pitch and our bowling too hot to handle. Pommie and Matt ripped through the top order and Fulbeck continued to struggle, as Wajih introduced some of the lesser known bowlers to the attack. Johnny Grr produced an over that contained just the required six balls, only one of which bounced twice. Damon then discarded the keepers gloves to claim his first Crusaders wicket -and was he pleased. Despite a brief rally from the tail Fulbeck's demise was complete after only 18.2 overs, for just 59. Phil provided a fine barbecue and then we foolishly became involved in a ‘Darkies' -v- 'Pale Faces' football match. Despite Damon missing a hatful of sitters the Honkies were soon well in front, with the opposition whining about numerical disadvantages. Particular mention must go to Gord, who was dumped on his pants, not once but twice by a twelve year old girl. A late rally and some desperate cheating saw the game finish 5-5. After a quick drink at the Pub, where we discussed the ethics of Indian Chicken Farming, the Chicken Porn Industry and the 'Ghost that can't descend stairs', some of the party headed for bed and the rest partook of the Single Malts in the George at Leadenham.
