Match Report
Sunday 2 June-v- Bexleyheath at Centymca
An unbroken seventh wicket partnership of 95 between Danglers (50) and Spud (40) was enough to maintain the club's unbeaten start to the season and overhaul the victory target of 156, with an over to spare. Earlier in the day, Timmo, standing in for the injured Gord, had lost the toss and all credibility, by allowing the oppo skipper to dictate the playing of a 40 over game. It seems he has learnt little in the 16 years since he last took the helm of the ship. Darren and Brows eventually graced us with their presence, having spent the best part of the morning viewing England's dismal effort against the Swedes. Simon and Chuckles opened the bowling, sharing the first four wickets, as both kept the ball up, on a lifeless pitch. Moysey and Lardy replaced our opening attack and looked every bit a pairing that had overstayed their welcome in The Oak. Chris could have removed the mainstay of the Bexleyheath innings, but was unable to see the return catch that was offered to him.( thought his sight had been cured !!). Darren, trundling down the hill, looked a husk of a man. Despite this impotent attack, Bexleyheath were never able to increase the scoring rate, Spud and Chris took a wicket a piece, before the innings closed on 156-6. Alan Edwards debuted in the opener’s slot, with Jim and they showed little mercy on Bexleyheath’s teeny-bop bowlers. They took 'the score to 39. before Alan was adjudged lbw by an umpire who had previously in the day been unable to see the ball hit straight at him by a batsman This initiated the sort of mid innings collapse, we frequently had the last time GT skippered the side, with 5 wickets tumbling for the addition of only 26 runs. Memories of Botham returned, as Timmo made the lonely walk back to the boundary, having played on for one. Sledging and un-gentlemanly chattering became the norm, as Bexleyheath sensed that they had the game won. This irritating and unnecessary side to the game acted as a spur to Spud and Darren, as they methodically collected runs in a measured fashion, which soon began to irk the opposition. A very pleasing victory was achieved when Spud hit the winning boundary, off the bowling of the lairiest offender of poor conduct. Spud took great pleasure in warmly shaking his hand and thanking him for the leg-side half volley. As usual there was a strong after-match presence in the Bull's Head, with two of the opposition 'big enough' to socialise; Gord arrived, resplendent in the Bengal Lancers Golf Winners Jacket, but worryingly minus the Gold Boots and Turban.
BILL WEBB Snr.
It is with great sadness that we learnt of the untimely death of Bill's dad. He made only one brief appearance for the club, acting as a substitute fielder at Hurst Green. In the short time he played, Danglers normal torrent of leg-side dross ensured that he had a busy time on the long leg boundary. My particular memory of his appearance was his ability to remain suitably close to an opened bottle of dodgy Red Wine that he had picked up on a shopping trip to France, whilst still displaying the ability to field the ball cleanly and return it to the wicket-keeper - something his son has yet to master!! He will be sorely missed at The Bengal Lancer Golf Day, where his particular form of etiquette would always provoke much discussion.
