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Match report vs Barry
Strollers 03 June 07@ Wenvoe (Skipper Paul, report
Dan)
The day was cloudy with a hint of drizzle in the air - but
at least the game was on. Everyone turned up on time bar Shagger
who was still recovering from playing/drinking hard the day
before (memories of Sudbrook - no can't be that bad…).
By the time Dan reached the ground, Paul had won the toss
and decided to bat, openers Shakey and Coach Pike had put
on a partnership of 2 before Pikey (0 ) was given out lbw
by Rog (apparently there had been no bat waving or disbelief
from the batsman…). Kim had joined Shakey and the pair
put on another partnership of 6 before Shakey (1 ) was caught
and bowled (supposedly the only one that Shakey had 'middled'
with his new bat…). 8-2-off 3.
JR and Kim steadied the ship batting slowly and carefully
against the Strollers opening swing bowlers. The partnership
came to an end with JR being bowled (7 ) in the 14th over.
44-3-14. Ash trundled out to join Kim and continued where
JR had left batting sensibly and developed another good partnership
until Kim 'got bored', went for a yahoo and was bowled (39
). 79-4-22.
By this time there had been a splattering of rain - nothing
to halt the game, but only helped the wicket to have less
bounce than Smitts' sticky flapjack. The BA/ Ash partnership
did not last long, I did not see the dismissal, but the result
was BA was bowled for none. 80-5. Jeff making his first appearance
for the season was thrust into action at number 7, Jeff said
hello to Ash (whom he'd never met before), then goodbye two
balls later as Ash perished, bowled for a well constructed
(20 ). 81-6-24.
Shagger, whose eyes were beginning to find focus, went out
to join Jeff. With the target in mind of 150, the pair nurdled,
blocked and heaved for a few overs until the next bowling
change…..which, as it turned out didn't help matters
much….the next bowler bowled at a pace that rivalled
Mr Ashden of the Wanderers, in fact slower, the ball barely
reaching the other end. Not sure if this was an inspired bowling
change by the oppo skipper or just keeping everyone in the
game, but it certainly worked, with the number of possible
scoring balls per over falling to just one or two. Fortunately
for the Cazh, the bowler's line began to struggle which allowed
the leg-side 'thrash' to come into play. The following bowlers
continued in the same theme, until at last, towards the end
of the innings the quicker bowlers came back which enabled
the run rate to pick up. In the last over with the score on
149 Shag finally fell going for another swish, bowled (32
). Dewbs went in and helped Jeff reach the imaginary target
of 150, the pair finishing not out - Jeff 27, Dewbs 0. The
final score 151-7.
And so to tea - Smitts and his band of merry helpers, one
of which was Mrs Dewbs. Smitts had a hard task, as tea connoisseur
and critic 'Shakey' Stephens was in attendance. The tea almost
fell at the very first hurdle - as salad was clearly visible,
not one - but two bowls…. After we had sat Shakey down
and brought out the smelling salts (well Kim's box) he calmed
him down a bit, and was able to continue, finding solace in
Smitts sticky flapjack and cherry bakewells - the tea was
saved!
A big effort was required from the Cazh's bowlers and fielders
to try and restrict the Stroller's from reaching the relatively
low target - especially as their opening bat was the same
opening bat for Tynewydd - who mashed 105 off us the week
before in a 20 over game….
BA and Jeff started things off and both managed to restrict
the Tynewydd batsman from scoring as freely as he did the
week before. After 10 overs the score was 37-0. BA finished
his spell (25-0-5overs) and Shag took over bagging the wicket
of the Tyn batsman lbw in his first over. 31-1-11. Jeff whose
bowling suited the wicket finished a good spell (25-0-6overs)
and was replaced by DB. Shag got the next break through in
the next over, Rog taking a good catch at point. 48-2-14overs.
DB too bowled a very good line and though wasn't rewarded
with a wicket finished his 5 over spell 16-0. Rog and Shakey
took over and continued the good work keeping it tight and
making the batsmen work for their runs. Shakey got his reward
asking the batsman to drive - which he did and was duly caught
by Shag on the boundary. 81-3-26. Shakey finished his stint
12-1-3overs). Jeff came back on just went for 4 more off his
last 2 overs. With just 10overs to go the Strollers needed
57 for victory.
BA replaced Jeff and tried to restrict the batsmen, the fielding
needed to be sharp….Rog finished his excellent spell
21-0-7overs and was replaced by Shag. With 6 overs to go the
oppo needed a run a ball. The batsman began to go on a suicidal
running spree and coupled with wayward fielding, managed to
pulled it off each time, running 3's and even a single when
the ball didn't pass the crease….The target was reached
with 9 balls to spare.
A good effort all round, but we unable to kill them off in
the last few overs, but it was an enjoyable game played in
the right spirit. Well done to Smitts and his little helpers
for a lovely tea - the challenge is on for whoever does it
next time…..
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