Stone CC vs. Dartford CC 6th XI, 17 July 2021

A late addition to the fixture list as a result of the Stone Summer Shindig Spectacular being two days on the wrong side of the revised Covid relaxation date (bugger), Dartford CC kindly sent down their 6th XI to Oakfield Park which was mainly their Under 15’s. Rossington announced we’d have a timed affair and would bowl first as usual, but judging by the pitch it would be a slow day for the batters. So it proved.

Sashi and Walkie opened the bowling this week. Walkie did not have any luck in his spell but Sash got rid of the top two thanks to edges into Skip’s gloves. Next up was young Will J in an effort to get rid of his mates – he sent two of them packing to end with figures of 2-15, with one catch from a skyer ending up in the hands of his rather relieved old man Gav (probably saved himself a few quid in pocket money this week). Muttley made a very welcome return to the team this week and was his usual excellent self, grabbing three wickets for a miserly five runs. No such luck for Chungy in his short spell, but Dino came on to nick two wickets, one of which we’re not entirely sure which mode of dismissal the umpires gave (the score book says stumped). Slates barely got through two overs before removing their last man and we were chasing 63 to win.

After a quick turnaround, Dicky and I were sent out to open the chase, but both of us struggled to time anything at all and quickly ended up launching hands at a few deliveries. By the time we had used up Dartford’s remaining time, Stone were 24/0. Tea proved to be an unwelcome distraction for myself as I was finally getting bat on ball, and proceeded to struggle again after the break. Dicky was first man to fall, LBW for 11. Chungy came to the crease and immediately looked miles better than both of us, helping the score along to 40-something before I finally edged one to slip for 10 (thank God). I was still removing my pads when Walkie stormed back into the dressing room one ball later. However we wouldn’t have to wait for victory much longer as Slates came in and smacked a couple of fours in a run a ball 11*, with Chungy finishing 16* at the other end. An easy victory with seven wickets to spare.

Muttley spent yet another week with Big Pat for his bowling spell (although I wanted their wicket keeper to win player of the day for his relentless tape loop of inspirational chat to his bowlers). Not sure who got the poo trophy but as there was a golden duck…

– Billy