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Well done to the lads last night on what was a thrilling game that unfortunately ended in defeat and the end of our 100% record this season.
With only 7 men it was always going to be an uphill struggle but we gave Aletasters* a real game of it. I won the toss and elected to bat having agreed to only play 12 overs. Alan and I took to the crease and like in the recent cup victory against Belmonte we knew a solid start was key and that’s exactly what we got. It was a slow burning first 5 overs but by the 7th we had 50 odd on the board and had picked up the rate. Alan’s well-crafted innings came to an abrupt end when for 20 odd I called him through for what looked to be a quick single but a sharp pickup from the bowler resulted in an easy run-out (sorry mate). Nicco was next to the crease and after a measured start was out caught off an expansive drive he didn’t quite get hold of. That left Ru and I to bat out the remaining overs and some quick running between the wickets and a few hefty blows got us up to a very respectable 99, giving the bowlers something to work with.
Ru and Nicco opened the bowling and Aletasters looked to have two good openers both making a brisk start propelling them to 20 off the first 2 overs. Their skipper kindly offered us a fielder and temporarily their wicket keeper, until he was required to bat! Ru made the breakthrough when one opener scooped an on drive upward only to be caught by the retreating fielder. Nicco made inroads at the other end clean bowling their number 3 and dismissing their number 4 in a really tight spell. However it was nagging away that their other, clean hitting, opener was making himself busy at the other end steadily racking up the runs. Matty exacted a fantastic run out with only 1 stump to aim at that brought their wicket keeper to the crease meaning Nicco donned the gloves for only the second time ever. Nicco managed to be involved from behind the stumps too taking a stumping off Alan’s bowling. With only a few overs remaining and their opener knowing the responsibility to get his team over the line lay with him the turning point in the match came. A rare loose shot off Dan’s bowling led to a catching opportunity that sadly fell to our substitute fielder….do I need to tell you the rest? The catch was duly spilt and it was game on. Ru was left the responsibility of bowling the final, nerve wracking, over and I think they only required 8 to win. Unfortunately their wicket keeper managed to squirm off strike and their opener managed to play a few shots. In the end with two balls remaining they made the total despite there almost being more drama with a run out that umpire in fairness simply couldn’t give.
Another great all round effort by those involved in what was another well spirited game against a friendly bunch. Thanks to Phil, Matty’s boss, for stepping in at late notice.
Cap – Me (first ever) 50
Duck – Matty combination of poor maths and the (non) missing trousers
*ironically named as their clubhouse boasts the worst selection beers you are ever likely to come across!
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