Cambridge Jesters v Coton, 27 July 2008

A hot, humid and sticky afternoon on Papworth Village green saw Cambridge Jesters take on Coton. Richard Allison returned from an exotic twitching holiday in the Far East to skipper the Coton team. Immediate Success as he won the toss. After one look at the hard wicket, Coton's opening bowlers Neil Sparnon and George Speller both had ear to ear smiles. The rapid pace of Sparnon put the fear of god into Jesters opening batsmen. They weren't laughing as Speller weaved a swinging ball past the edge of Kennedy, gratefully received by Breward's gloves. It didn't take long for Sparnon to get in on the act as he banged in another fast short ball to A Shone who hopped out of the way but left his bat out there. Matt Harris returning from a knee operation dived low to his right and caught a spectacular catch in the gully. Coton were on top and made scoring difficult for the Jesters. Whilst J Turney rode his luck G Tomkinson was convinced that Sparnon was a "ringer" from the Tucker Premiership!!! Little did he know that whilst a diet of Pasta and sunshine can recharge the batteries, it does not prevent an errant contact lens affecting the radar. Sparnon had to leave the field in order to find some new lenses and adjust the sights.

Coton's newest spin maestro, Dave Scotcher was still nursing the effects of an injury. However he took a stunning caught and bowled, demonstrating a new "barrel" catching technique.........mine's a lager top! A jet lagged but determined Da Costa came to the crease. This is where he stayed throughout the Jesters innings as fellow batsmen came and went. Not before Speller, Harris and Scotcher pulled up lame with "tweaked hamstrings". Further catches were taken by Norton, Allison, East and Coton's newest young talent Oscar ("Haynes") Boatfield.

Jesters all out for 153 in 36.1 Overs

Following a pleasant tea and a game of darts, Coton's openers of Bradbury and Breward took the 'ockey (I mean field!) Whilst the father and son bowling partnership of A Shone and G Shone made run scoring tough for Coton it wasn't until the 11th over when Kennedy made the breakthrough. Bradbury missed a straight ball and Coton were 25 for 1. This bought George Speller to the crease. George was initially dealing in boundaries as his "hammy" was causing excruciating pain. Singles and byes were being spurned, so Speller called for a runner and Bradders stepped back into the breach. Normally when a runner is used, chaos and mayhem ensue. However Breward and Bradbury ran effortlessly between the wickets allowing Speller to wield his blade and runs came freely. Not to be outdone, Breward upped the ante and fours were flowing from both ends. Just before drinks Speller missed a slower ball from Kennedy and his furniture was rearranged. 97 for 2. This soon became 97 for 3 as Norton got a snorter first ball up and trudged back to the pavillion. Quack, quack, quack.

Skipper Allison realised that whilst Coton were well ahead of the run rate, only 57 required with 21 overs remaining, the middle order has "crumbled before". Both Breward and Allison stroked the ball past the infield as Jesters could not stop the boundaries. Fittingly Breward hit the winning runs with a four.

Coton made 156 for 3 wickets in 28 overs. Coton victory by 7 wickets.

Highs:

• Superb fielding from Oscar on his league debut. Another investment in the new youth policy.
• Rapid bowling from Neil Sparnon - (10 overs, 1 maiden, 3 for 32) - Coton's Premiership "ringer" :))))
• Alastair Breward scoring a career best 65 not out.
• Catches, Catches Catches - 7 in total. Must be some kind of a club record. Champagne Catch from Matt Harris. Comedy Catch from Dave Scotcher.

Lows:

• Hamstring injuries to 3 bowlers - are they contagious?
• Letting Jesters get 40 more runs than they deserved
• I can't think of any more - WE WON!