Match Report
Tuesday 16 July –v- Routemasters at Avery Hill-Park
Having been informed that only two sides from each league would progress to the knockout stage, the game took on new meaning, with a victory guaranteeing safe passage. Unfortunately after selecting a fairly settled side throughout the opening group games, the skip encountered several unavailability’s which necessitated the late introduction of University lay-about Neil Chapman. Worries were alleviated when the oppo managed to field only eight players.
Routemasters won the toss and somewhat surprisingly asked us to bat. Despite early trouble laying bat on ball, openers Silly Cut and Snowy gave us a solid base; putting on 79 before Graham was run out by a direct hit (He was very slow!!!).Neil M and Mark then helped give at least one of their bowlers decent figures by throwing their wickets and Daz fell to a shooter (He looked beaten all ends up to me!!!). After these temporary set backs Ian Browne and Neil Poof treated the capacity crowd to an assortment of strokes that often defied belief. Ian perfected the outside edge to great reward and Neil made placing a field a skipper’s nightmare with a series of shots never documented in Wisden, including the little practised late chinese cut. The upshot of all this vibrant action was another daunting total that even with a team of Kevin Gibson’s at his disposal, the skip felt confident could be defended. Routemasters set about their task in an efficient manner, being particularly harsh on the toilet that Chris was delivering. Old B'Stard after initial problems slipped into an accurate rhythm and with the advent of Express train Moyse, the oppo’s challenge began to wilt. Darren made the vital breakthrough, allowing the skip to whittle out the mid-order rabbits in a devastating spell. One ball from Neil Morrison (described as a straight drifting non-pitching yorker by replacement keeper Fats Lewis) was sufficient to conclude proceedings, with Routemasters all out for 83.
Pen Pics
G.R. -Career best R.W score of 34-overcoming early problem of hitting the ball.
M.P. -Had trouble timing shots with his lump of tree trunk - had moral boosting bowl
N.M. -Responded to the skip’s advice to chase singles with the usual yahoo and no figure contribution to the score - locked up proceedings.
I.B. - -Another confident display - now known as Rambo the Ninja Chicken.
D.M. –Only got 9 and dropped a catch - most enjoyable
N.C. -Quite unbelievable - top scored and has even learnt to catch - Who said a University education is pointless?
S.L. -Exemplary display behind the stumps, though he had trouble picking up the skip’s arm ball -His stumpings appeared that quick that even the oppo umpire seemed to miss them.
C.W. – Was far more interested in Rumpy-Pumpy on the Ferrier.
S.M. -Tied down the openers with a fine spell of line and length bowling.
S.W. -Seasons best 4-8 and leads a yet to be beaten in preliminary games side into the play offs
