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Eager to re-enact Luke Mitchell’s heroic efforts last year, the Civil Service took on Gateshead Cavaliers on a perfect May evening in their second Midweek league fixture. On a flat pitch in the middle of a very large field, Hennie Strauss opened the bowling in the final appearance of his very illustrious, albeit short, career at the CC. After Hennie took an early wicket, Gateshead consolidated and scored at a fairly reasonable pace. A strategic bowling change by captain Colin brought on Ian “first ball your out” Laingers, who lived up to his reputation by knocking the leg stump towards the boundary and claimed the second wicket. Ian continued to bowl well supported eagerly by Paddy Meredith who showed no signs of his age. Unfortunately the bowlers were let down by some poor fielding and the invisible 11th man, allowing Gateshead to increase their run rate. Hennie finished with a last wicket but Gateshead were able to notch up 133/3 in the 16 overs allotted.
The CC started off slowly and unfortunately John Ferguson was unable to replicate his magnificent 50 he made the previous week and was out early. Duncan Scott was able to increase the run rate with a quick 39 but lost his wicket to a superb catch in the Gateshead outfield. Meanwhile, whilst 45,000 Newcastle fans saluted their hero in Shearer’s benefit match across the Tyne, a new hero was emerging in the form of Colin Miller. Steadfastly Colin began to exploit the large gaps in the field ably supported by Luke. After Luke’s wicket fell, Hennie came to the crease and illustrated that swinging and missing the ball does not make runs. A few words of advice in the middle by the seasoned campaigner and Hennie, inspired, began his crucial innings.
With 10 runs required off the last over, a well timed 4 eased the pressure. Finally 5 runs were required of 5, and some excellent running allowed the CC to level with Gateshead with 1 ball remaining. Causally, if not nonchalantly, Hennie eased the winning run into the darkening wilderness of the Gateshead outfield and won the match. Hennie finished his final game 17*. Colin, unbeaten on 47*, was the man of the match.
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