Match Report
Sunday 11 July -v- Westcombe Parkers at Greenwich Park
Bright weather and the picturesque confines of Greenwich Park made for a pleasant day’s sport, as we played our return fixture with the Parkers. The non-arrival of Darkie caused a rapid upper-order reshuffle, which united Rhino Lewis with Flashing Blade Braithwaite in the opening berth.
After three overs, even Ladbrookes had closed its weekly betting on Chuckles survival, as it became apparent that JB at his infinite worst, would struggle to find a way of getting out. So it was that Steve and John flayed the Parkers bowling, to the tune of 111, before impetuosity got the better of Braithwaite. Their stand was the third highest for the 1st wicket, and John’s individual tally was a personal record, though later allegations of jug evasion were still to be answered. Neil Clark joined Steve in his relentless pursuit for a second club ton, which evidently left Mark squirming at a missed opportunity, though he did not give his anguish away! Not much he didn’t. Tranquillity was shattered by the arrival of the cussing, moody, aggressive and generally obnoxious Navvie Paine fresh from a hard day putting up a signpost. Anyway back to the story. Steve gave a chanceless display, which included several all run fours - two of which were with Tubby - and a barrage of threes, which merely highlights Parkers athleticism in the field. Described by an elderly spectator as looking like a ‘Young Colin Milburn’, Rhino reached three figures close to the end of the scheduled forty overs and remained unbeaten on 103 as we closed at 202-3. Parker’s response was surprisingly positive, until you realise that it was only Fox and Lardy that opened the bowling. Runs were disappearing to all parts of the ground and it began to look as if our confidence would take a severe jolt. Captain Webb’s trump card proved to be the reintroduction of a moody shuffling medium pacer, last seen during a particularly distressing Ray Willis Semi-Final. This time he found a batsman not equipped to handle his beamer and broke a mounting opening stand and with it any hope Westcombe garnered of victory.
After this initial breakthrough Mark was able to return back under the only black cloud in a glorious blue sky for the remainder of the game. Bill rotated his bowlers to the full, and was rewarded with evenly shared wickets. Pick of the day was debutante James 'Over the bar from a yard' Harper, who having "played a bit at school", duly helped himself to three wickets, one with his maiden ball. The match as a contest petered out dramatically, as Parkers found no one to match the endeavour of their openers and it was with some humanitarian joy, that we were able to hustle them out well within the forty overs.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - the Five Victims of Billy Webb’s Bowling Career
Vigar. S ct.Fairley b.Webb 3 –v- Westerham III 14/07/84
Now - Member of the England Test Selection Committee.
Game. I ct.Timms b.Webb 14 –v- Chelsfield Ex 96/05/85
Now - Psychiatric Unit at Rampton Top Security Hospital.
Grover. S ct.McMahon.G b.Webb 7 -v- Sydney Arms Gents 31/08/87
Now - Landlord of the Sydney Arms
McMahon. Gr b.Webb 6 –v- Sydney Arms Gents 31/08/87
Now - Father of one of the worst players in Crusader history.
Gilpin. b.Webb 4 –v- Westcombe Parkers 23/05/93
Now - Still playing!!! But he is a Parker.
How would you feel if this character took your wicket ??
