Due a communication breakdown we took the field with just 10 men as Paul Norton was absent presumed having a good time. Waterbeach fielded two very small players (probably children but possibly hobbits), something that was to have a surreal effect on the game. Richard Allison won the toss and put Waterbeach in.
We started with the tactic that had worked against Cambourne in the previous game opening with George Speller and Rob Kaye. This is designed to lull the opposition into a false sense of security by eventually replacing Rob’s medium-slow wobblers (that’s the ball, not his beer gut) and unleashing the pace of Neil Sparnon.
Rob trundled in and removed both openers with the assistance of catches by Richard at point. There was plenty of movement in the air for the bowlers but it was a pretty true and bouncy wicket. After 10 overs the score was 28-2. It could have been better but with Dave Scotcher striving for the wickets that would get him to magic “25” for the season he decided to put down a chance at slip which was followed in the same over by Paul shelling one behind the stumps, both off Rob. Rob breathed a sigh of relief that the chance of him buying a jug 2 games running was receding. It was time for a double bowling change. Dave Scotcher opened with three wides and then tricked their number three with a straight one that cleaned him up: 19 and counting. In contrast Neil also surprised them by starting with a straight ball that was edged to the keeper. 30-4 and looking good but there was then the first of two largish partnerships. There was some keen fielding by the likes of George, Dave Hale and Al “The Sweeper” Carroll that kept the runs in check and eventually Dave made a double breakthrough courtesy of two smart catches by George.
From 68-6 another significant stand built up. George replaced Neil after a frustrating spell which resulted in many false strokes and several runs edged through the 3rd man area. Dave had been economical and accurate until he was tricked by Richard into expecting a full 10 overs. He then proceeded to get hit for 20 or more runs in his eighth and ninth overs. Rob came back on to replace Dave – now on 21 wickets - and combined with Paul to break what had become a worrying partnership. It was then that one of the most surreal passages of cricket took place.
The first of Waterbeach’s two juniors came in. I swear it was possible to see the stumps above his head. The umpire asked the bowlers to reduce their pace so Rob went from just faster than slow to very slow with the result that he was unable to bowl a straight ball. 5 successive wides became increasingly frustrating, but the over eventually finished. George removed the full sized batsman with a swirling catch to Andy East and we were down to the last pair (it being determined that the 2nd junior wouldn’t bat). More wides followed and a catch behind that wasn’t given added more frustration - which was eventually relieved by a run out. Waterbeach 119 all out: This was possibly 20 more runs than they should have made - had we got 11 men on the field from the start. Special thank to Julias (George's mate for putting the whites on after 25 overs). But nevertheless a good team effort on a good batting track.
Just how good became clear after tea. Chris and Neil opened and after a couple of overs judging the pace of the wicket the runs started to flow. Despite his assertion that he “only timed a couple of shots”, Chris was stroking the ball to all points on the compass. He was particularly adept at picking out the two juniors and repeatedly hitting full blooded drives in their direction (to their credit they coped very well). Neil was steady and decided to get his own back on all the edges that came off his bowling by playing some of his own (and telling anyone that would listen that he was still in credit). The opening partnership was worth 70 when Richard decided it was time that someone else got a bat. Neil missed a straight one and the big stride wasn’t enough to persuade the skipper there was an element of doubt that the ball would miss and up went the finger. George strode out to the wicket and was off the mark with a fine four off his first delivery. Chris continued to flay the bowling and the run rate grew. George was also playing some fine shots and we cruised past 100 with 1 wicket down.
George got himself out in bizarre circumstances. In attempting to cut a slow ball, he clipped (and broke) the bail with his bat and was out “hit wicket”. Dave Hale strode out and played a fine cameo of nought not out whilst Chris hammered the final 15 runs to take us to our target with 17 overs to spare. Chris finished on 81 not out and never looked in trouble: he was only denied a century by Coton reaching the target in quick time. So a very comprehensive win and a fine all round performance by the team.
Guys we are not safe yet but the table is looking alot better. It’s still possible for us to get relegated if we lose to Jesters next week and get less than 5 losing bonus points. On the other hand a win, or a cancelled game, or 5 bonus points will keep us up. Indeed a win, combined with a poor performance by Cottenham at Longstowe could see us as high as 4th. It’s been a funny old summer!!!!!
Highlights
- Chris’s 81 not out. Excellent batting in a 70 run partnership for the first wicket with Neil. Supported well by George for the 2nd wicket partnership.
- Good all round bowling: Rob and Dave 3 wickets each, George and Neil 1 but deserved more.
- Fielding: both on the ground (special mention for Allan Carrol in the deep) and 7 catches by the team.
- Bradders - 2 caught behind the stumps.
- Friendly opposition with both teams and supporters in the Sun Pub afterwards.
Lowlights
- Communication problems for Paul Norton. (Answer the emails, text messages, voicemail!). First time we had ten men all season.
- Rob bowling 9 wides: half the runs that were scored off his bowling. This could actually be a highlight if you consider the comedy factor!
- The Dave Scotcher Mayonnaise incident in the shower block.........where is that 1001 Carpet Cleaner???
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