Well, here it is folks – the final match report of the season, and I find myself on the back of another team that were not that weak for the second time this season. Having said that, a very enjoyable time was had by all – nice ground, nice game and I was very late.
I should have known at the toss (which I lost it) was not going to be our day. Their Skipper bleating about 40 overs, “we’ve only got 4 bowlers”, can they bowl ten overs instead of eight, can we use two balls, etc, etc. At fifteen minutes passed the proposed start time, it did not quite sink in why they decided to bat – they passed fifty for 0 off about ten overs when Jack took a great diving catch in the covers to get rid of one of the openers (sorry, don’t have any bowling figures as I did not copy up the book). Glenn and Dino bowled some good balls and bowled well although anything short was dispatched quite easily. Glenn remaining wicketless and Dino picked up one. Geoff and Matty G bowling in tandem (and going for the bowling award) was a sight to behold, with a great battle going on between them and their Number 3 who took a liking to Matty and tried to smash boundaries off every ball unsuccessfully. Honours even, or maybe one up for the bowler. Geoff picked up 1 for not a lot and Matty somehow remained wicketless. We fielded well but again dropped a few catches which cost us as the Number 3 went on to get 97*. With ten overs left, they had about 140 for 2, Richard and Jack bowling medium pace and, according to the keeper Kelvin, faster than his brother Mario Tom. They both picked up wickets but got hit around a bit with Bromley Common finishing on 234/4. All of their batsman got scores of 20+. I am not going to let it lie – not bad for a very weak team that just wanted a game of cricket…
After a nice tea (they kept finding cake and fruit from somewhere), myself and Goldenhair went out for the big chase. They had two very good opening bowlers who did not give a lot away. Goldenhair was first out (if we are honest, going for a second run that was not really there) for about 7, then Chungy got an absolute beauty and was out first ball. The guy’s hat trick ball was rubbish, but he got the Stig a few balls later and Glenn in the same over for a duck. In the bar afterwards, Glenn and Chungy were presented with wooden ducks for the privilege. We found ourselves about 20 odd for 4 after about ten overs. Myself and Kelvin steadied the ship for a few overs, before Kelvin was out for about 10. Jack and I had the target of getting to drinks, but I did not quite make it, going in for 19 after skying the young spinner to mid off, leaving us about 50 for 5 at that stage. Matty G and Jack were the stars of the show in the batting department taking us past the 100 mark in the 30th over before Jack played on for a fine 21 and batting for about 15 overs. Matty G deserved a 50 but fell just short for a fantastic 44. With five overs left, Dino and Pusey set about seeing out the 40 overs, Dino with some great forward defensive shots and some loud No’s to upset the home team a bit further. Pusey was out with two overs to go , before Geoff and Dino saw us to the end, 130ish for 9 from 40 overs.
To. the bar we went – thanks to Goldenhair for the bottles of Tiger for the shower and changing rooms. As we said, nice bar, nice chaps, wooden Ducks, but certainly not a weak team, the opening bowlers have both played for the 1st XI before – I told you I would not let it lie.
Thanks everyone for your efforts for the game and everyone for making such an enjoyable season, its been a pleasure to be vice skip and to skipper in Matt Blain’s absence.
– Dartsy