Match Report
Makker was an early arrival, making the most of another Danglers lie in, to claim his breakfast. Several of the party were showing early signs of tour fatigue, so the rest of the morning was spent at leisure.
Tuesday 30 July -v- Timberscombe at Timberscombe
Our numbers were further bolstered by the arrival of Paul and Fiona. It was a Skipper's quandary whether to replace Moysey with MakKer or Fiona. Either of the two choices would get through their overs quicker and Fiona running around the outfield, would be far more pleasing on the eye, than having to endure a couple of hours of 'Dead-man Moyse'. Timmo opted for Makker, realising he hadn't brought a white skirt in Fiona's size and on losing the toss we found ourselves in the field. Spud felt the need for a rallying speech, to ensure there was no repetition of the previous night’s shambles and was then happy to hand the reins to GT. Timmo always a staunch supporter of the Webb regime, took the opportunity to captain in his image, using the 45 minute theorem. Timberscombe -were clearly baffled by this approach, wondering how and why such a spineless attack as Clements and Braithwaite, should be allowed to bowl unchanged for seven overs each. Perhaps expecting a sting in the tail, our hosts were even more bewildered by the equally venom less combination of Wilsdon and Schultz, that replaced our openers. The tranquillity of our setting was interrupted only briefly be Fiona's audible mobile phone conversation. Timberscombe were an even mix of juniors and wise old heads, but none of their side seemed capable of dictating the play. Gord induced a thin edge to provide Simply with his 100th catch for the club and soon after took a second wicket courtesy of a smart stumping. Fortunately Ralph was not at square-leg to rule it out for any encroachment. Paul and Spud were the next duo used by the skip and they proved to be by far the most potent combination on show. Paul made full use of all the facilities, including several un-prepared pitches and a corridor of air three feet above the batsman’s head. His surprise delivery - the straight one (after two wides) - proved too much for one youngster and soon after Chuckles held a fine catch on the long-off boundary to remove their best bat. Wickets began to fall more readily and with Makker prowling the covers there was little chance that the pressure would be released. Lofty himself took the final wicket, needing only ten of his barely legal deliveries to prize out the number eleven. Darren and Craig took time out from the White Lion (perhaps the landlord told them where to go at closing time) and returned in time for tea, at which time the skip informed us he was confident of a comfortable victory. This was the first time I had heard him speak all afternoon. In the early evening sunlight we were treated to a batting Master-class from The Claw and Lanky whose dashing stand of 75 all but won the game. Earlier in our response The Oz and Simply had re-laid the foundations, following another early departure from the Club Captain. Makker's stay at the crease contained eight majestic boundaries, none of which could possibly be coached, whilst TC was content to anchor the innings, remaining undefeated on 37 (a PB for the Club). Such was the level to which he had pumped himself, it, was somewhat surprising that he didn't float off when the winning run was scored.
Talk of curries occupied most conversations, with the Alcombe Tandoori recommended by the locals. We saw off the Timberscombe contingent, toasted former skippers and bade farewell to The White Lion. A splinter group had already arrived at the curry house and despite an invitation to join the main table 'the independent people's tour front' decided they would rather eat alone - splitters! Appetites sated we returned for more games of one-handed/alternate hand pool, gaining little success in either discipline. Moysey was notable as an early casualty, as was the 'still psyched up' Claw, still drifting on an -`emotional thermal'.
