Match Report
Sunday 22 August -v- Blue Bell Hill II at Common Road
After the dramatic improvements made in team morale, under the leadership of Nobby Webb and against poor results of late, Spud could be considered fortunate to find his way back into the starting eleven for our meeting with BBH. Despite close fought encounters in the past, BBH were not over keen to continue the meetings of our clubs, so it was paramour that we produced an entertaining contest. With Darkie preferring to meet potential In-laws, Slack was the only taker for the vacant openers berth, after Spud had at last called correctly. He duly joined Rhino at the crease. Due to inclement weather, any prospect of play on the prepared wicket had been washed away and we were forced to endure some differing bounce on the artificial track. Steve and Glen found the going painstakingly slow, but adopted the only sensible option; that of caution. Jim’s long awaited return to competitive cricket brought with it a fair share of controversy, as a half-hearted lbw appeal received the full support of our official, resulting in Rhinos early demise. An all too familiar pattern started to emerge, with only Timmo getting himself in, as we struggled to set our hosts any sort of target. Tubby shared in a dour stand of forty, that at least gave us a platform on which to build, but from then until Spud and Glen shared an eighth wicket partnership of 50, we never really gained control of the match. Duckie continued his promising form of late, adding quick runs with the skip, following GT’s jug evasion departure on 92.To their credit BBH maintained an excellent rate throughout and our final total of 181-8 came from 47 overs.
After the obligatory salad, we set about dismantling our oppo. Jim forged his way back on to the scene, as if he had hardly been away, causing wicket-keeper and slip to scamper and Silver Fox was his normal frugal self, allowing batsmen very little opportunity for easy pickings. After the initial breakthrough, we were made to work hard for our successes, against a batting side that showed competence throughout. A lengthy stint of spin from Duckie and Nob provided BBH with every opportunity to go after the required runs and the drying outfield made run scoring easier than in our earlier innings. Spud bagged another four victims in a sixteen over spell and was supported by wickets apiece from Gordy, Rhino and B'Stard, but our efforts were in vain, as BBH wound up five runs adrift with two wickets to spare.
The beer unfortunately did not match the excitement of the match or the generosity of our hosts and we endured the cold swill for as long as we could before returning to the welcoming climes of the Queens.
