Veterans deliver victory

With great credit to the team of groundsmen week 9 started on time. The away side winning the toss and to the home captains surprise decided to have a little bat. Opening the bowling again Looms and Taylor. Market Overton wasting no time in showing intent. Play and miss or clear the front leg and swish. With the away side scoring at a run a ball the first wicket fell. Hawkins bowled by looms. 17 for 1. This became 17 for 2 Taylor removing Warner thanks to a fantastic one handed catch by Parrish. 17 for 3. Whatt caught behind by huge hands off the bowling of Looms.

The wind now really picking up and Taylor not quiet finding his length Page D took over up the hill. Goodlift finding this bowling ideal for range hitting and looking in fine touch. ”The Old War Horse” was required. Hendry taking over. Hendry greeted by a slap through mid on for 4. His first 7 balls costing 10 runs. Surely the bowler would be far too street wise for these country folk?

Bibby caught behind by Wagstaff bowled Hendry. A partnership of 61 ended. 78 for 4 off 14 overs. In the blink of an eye 83 for 7. 3 wickets falling to the combination of Hendry and Page M. The away skipper was next for a short stay at the crease. Bowled by a fine leg cutter by Looms.

The now rampant Hendry finishing the innings on 97 all out from 21 overs. His final 26 balls costing 2 runs and claiming 6 wickets. Outstanding. 10 minute turn around seeing Martin and Fleetwood open for the home side. Martin out for 6. 11 for 1 from 7 overs.

Wagstaff joined Fleetwood and raced through the gears with a flurry of boundary’s and rain closing in. Wagstaff falling for a fine 38. 58 for 2. 15 overs bowled. Page M looking in good touch the scoreboard reading 77 for 2 off 18 overs. “We just need to get 18 overs don’t we?”

With the rain now failing and the pitch covered tea was taken. “Who knows the rules?”

The clubs favourite umpire Hawker snr was called upon. The situation explained. “ I’ll hand you over to me mate”. The leagues umpire stating you don’t need to play 20 in the 2nd innings. “You’ve won if you don’t go back out”

Great. With this not feeling correct league official Pople was next on speed dial. “ You need to get 20overs in Rich, I think” cheers!

All hands to the pump and much frustration followed. Great credit to the away skipper for taking the field with defeat looming. 5 overs required to knock off the remaining runs. Fleetwood not out 23, Page M 22 not out.

25 points, fine sunshine and 2 points from the summit of the league ended a very testing and tiring day.