Ball tampering incident overshadows comprehensive win

OK. You've made me feel guilty about the lack of match reports, so here goes...

July 11th, Coton Rec. The return fixture against a Girton II side that had been swept away by 10 wickets earlier in the season. With several team members missing (presumed on vacation) the return of Dave Hale to the ranks was very timely.

A short sharp shower just after 1pm blew over and we were able to start on time. I lost the toss, again, and was pleasently surprised when Girton elected to bat as we would have put them in anyway.

Dave Scotcher attempted to fill in for the missing Rads by arriving late but failed and we took to the field with a full compliment of players.

We opened up with Chris Cooke and Billy Haynes. Both would need to be removed from the attack after short spells: Billy because of the league rules to protect junior players, Chris because he had a sick note. It didn't look too promising when Chris's 2nd ball was dispatched straight for 4 but we soon struck back. Chris lead the way striking timber twice during a two wicket maiden. Billy was soon into the action as well. He completely flumoxed their opening bat by getting the ball to bounce twice before reaching the bat. Just before it bounced a third time (and thus becoming a no ball) the batsman obiligingly slapped it back to Billy who took a good return catch. Chris hit timber again so by the time the enforced bowling changes came they were 4 down for not very many.

It was at this point that Mr Scotcher retired to the trees at the Footpath End announcing that he hadn't had time to go before the match. It was from this incident that the allegations of ball tampering emerged, not to mention the use of dubious substances on the ball.

Whatever, shortly thereafter the heavens opened and we had to retire for a short break. There was some conjecture about the shower and whether it was a case of "anything you can do, I can do better" following Dave's off pitch activities.

Dave and Rob then took on the bowling duties and worked through the middle order and tail. The ball was swinging prodigously after the shower and Rob's spell consisted of either play-and-miss or swishes for 4. Dave was the first to strike and then Rob took wickets in three successive overs, two with aid of catches by Paul Norton at mid-off the third an LBW. Dave took a second wicket, spearing the ball in on leg stump having been hit for 4 and 6 on the two proceeding balls.

Billy returned to the attack to replace Rob and soon removed the final wicket with a fine ball that again rattled the timbers. [Note: removing myself from the attack with at this point does NOT constitute jug avoidance as there was only one wicket left.] So 3 wickets for Chris and Rob, 2 apiece for Dave and Billy and Girton were gone for 66 in just over 25 overs. It was a good all round performance from the bowlers and the fielders with good ground fielding and Paul's safe hands.

After a fine tea, courtesy of Billy's Mum (thank you!) we took the field. Could lightning strike twice? Surely we could chase down 66. With this in mind I tried to arrange the order to bring the guys who didn't get a bowl into the game. So, we didn't have the familiar sight of Chris taking strike to the first ball. The two Daves (Simmons and Hale) headed the order and the rest became something of a moot point.

There were some early scares, including two chances going down in the slips. But Dave H was soon into his stride, smiting the ball to all points of the field. He was putting the ball where the fielders weren't and boundaries came square of the wicket on both sides as well as straight. Dave S picked off some singles and the target was reached in the 14th over with no wickets down.

Another 10 wicket win: our 3rd this season, and our 2nd against Girton who haven't managed to take a wicket against us this year. It broke a streak of 4 league losses and moved us into mid-table ahead of next week's opposition (NCI).

We were in the Plough nice and early and treated to some fine jugs (of beer) by Mr Hale who had passed 50 in the run chase. He finished 52 not out with Dave Simmons on 8 not out.

Some jug avoidance did take place at this point as the tables were cleared of glasses.

Cheers,
Rob.