Match Report
Sunday 30 June –v- Bethlem Royal Hospital at Monks Orchard Road
Even the recent run of six games unbeaten failed to fill the skip with any notion of a continuance on Bethlem’s ploughed field. Hopes were raised, with the absence of the Demel’s and the fact that they only started the game with nine players. The formality of losing the toss was followed by the shock of being asked to bat. The wet weather and rather long outfield made scoring a slow and painstaking process and only an innings of resolute character from Darkie Paine gave us a defendable target. Helped by double figure contributions from new boy Neil Clark and Soft, Mark was last out for 57 in a total of 110. With Timms and Moyse bowling unchanged throughout, what started out as a dour non event, with both openers initially stonewalling, turned into a real thriller. The skip’s ploy in pinning the openers down, forcing rash shots eventually paid dividend. When 20 overs were called, Bethlem, despite having wickets to spare, still had 66 to make. Suddenly scenting at least the possibility of a draw, the fielding picked up and an air of enthusiasm finally crept into a few of us. Suddenly with the need to score runs, Bethlem started to hit the self destruct button, with several batsmen frustrated at their inability of breaking through the tight infield, they reverted to some speculative yahoos which cost them their wickets. Only a late rally looked likely to prevent us from a marvellous win, but the safe hands of Nathan and the now fired up Timms and Moyse ensured victory scenes the likes of which haven’t been seen for at least a week.
We had a very social drink with the oppo, whose only gripe was that we appeared to only have two bowlers - sour grapes
Pen Pics
Paine -Finally produced the goods after tarting around for five seasons.
Braithwaite -Fourth top score with 5
Moyse -Bowled fast for the first time this season.
Clark -Daz finally produced a body that can play the game
Clements - Well and truly run out by his good pal
Mark Blackwell -Got on well with the out-patients of the hospital.
Timms -Got a wee bit excited when victory was in the air - kept trying to get in the single shower cubicle with who ever was in there.
Whale -Surprisingly bowled off his back leg.
Probets -All important contribution - we all knew he would take catch
Grater -The fifth nought on the card.
Martin -Unfortunate not to get a bowl. Not out again.
