Last year we rattled up 256-4 against Camel and won by 24 runs despite their opener making about 130. This year it quickly became apparent that we were going to make rather less. Or should that be fewer?
With Chris away Andy P took the reins for the first time this season. Coin connoisseurs will be delighted to hear our habit of not winning the toss continued apacey. Speaking of pace Camel boasted a brisk opening pair. Hugh was yorked in the 5th over. In the 8th over I nicked behind, as did Andy P 4 balls later. Then Guy drove to mid on and set off. Raj refused to budge. Guy joined him at the bowler's end to discuss matters as did the ball moments later. Drawing the meeting to a close Guy headed back home but was run out by about half the length of the pitch. 29-4.
Raj and Martin dug in and got us to drinks without further loss and 70 on the board. Then Martin opened up. A six disappeared over the fence though he was dropped twice. Gerry the unlucky bowler eventully had his revenge as a top edge was safely held. Martin out for 54 after a stand of 90.
With Andy J glued to West Ham confirming their mid-table mediocrity on TV Tony was promoted one place but Andy didn't have long to wait. Next over Raj was adjudged to have tickled one down leg to be caught behind, much to the batsman's chagrin.
124-6 became 147-8 as both Tony and Barrie were caught and bowled. Then Andy J and Joe were both lbw, sandwiching some late Andy Copeland defiance featuring a big six into the garden at deep square leg.
We needed early wickets and Joe provided one 8th ball of the innings. Dave jabbed down on a yorker but the ball trickled towards the stumps and like a cricketing version of Mousetrap kissed the stump and down came the bail-cage. 1-1.
Unfortunately that was as good as it got. Tom and Billy played everything very well. I think we beat the bat once or twice. I had a run out chance from mid on but missed. Guy dived full length and got fingertips to a drive but couldn't hang on. Otherwise the batsmen were in total control and we just couldn't exert any pressure.
Both passed 50 and the stand reached 138 when Tom decided to take on Barrie at long on. Big mistake. Barrie took the catch, though it was done so with about 75% thighs and 25% hands. Rick was then bowled for a duck before Tom took 15 off an over to finish things in a hurry. He ended 96*.
A disappointing Tav performance and a rather lethargic showing in the field in contrast to last Sunday. Worse still we couldn't even have a beer as North Mid had forgotten to renew their license...
DT
Batting:
Evans b 1
Pacey ct 19
Terry ct 4
Lal ct 29
Gibbs r/o 1
Pirongs ct 54
Alveranga c+b 7
James lbw 11
Whatley lbw 1
Copeland no 13
Dunne lbw 4
Bowling:
James 8-0-32-0
Dunne 5-0-24-1
Copeland 6-0-52-0
Terry 3-0-12-2
Lal 2.5-2-15-0
Pirongs 4-0-17-0
Catches: Whatley
Captain's Tankard: Martin
