Match Report Barry Westend
/ Cazh combo vs Axebridge 14 July 2024 @ The Island (Report
Steveo)
So, Casuals were robbed of a game on the island by a mix
up with fixtures (fault of the BWE invited touring team).
But generously BWE offered places for casual players to take
part, and Ed Cheese, Steve O and old Liam had f-all else to
do.
A very early start was chosen to allow tourists to get home
in plenty of time to watch Spain win the Euros. 11:30 isn’t
such a bad idea, as at least it meant only half the day playing
cricket. Uber Ed & passenger Steve O were nearly late
however, due to a road closure around the McDonald’s
roundabout where a crash had apparently taken place. Luckily
they had Glan’s number and were able to let him know!
Arrival at the ground revealed a smaller boundary than usual
which allowed for plenty of parking on the grass. A cloudy
but warm day greeted us, and even better the burger van was
up and running offering a selection of Gavin and Stacey themed
delicacies.
The touring team were a very pleasant bunch of mixed ability
and ages, and after the usual pleasantries it was Barry West
End to bowl first (much debate around 30 overs v 40 option
which proved to be rather futile in the end).
Ed, Liam and Steve presented an impenetrable fielding barrier
on one side of the ground (except when the ball flashed past
them) and represented the Casuals in suitable fashion. Tomo
opened the bowling for BWE with dogged line and length but
little actual success —having said that, not many runs
scored.
Before too long, the hosts invited Ed to have a go at the
bowling lark. He had a go with his first ball and got a caught
behind. Excellent start Ed. He liked that and so a couple
of balls later did it again. Good wicket keeping but fairly
regulation and everyone impressed with Ed ( are you available
Wednesday et cetera et cetera).
Ed was given a further few overs and managed an excellent
caught and bowled. He also got an lbw although those of us
side-on felt it may have been rising a little too much but
the ump’s finger was up. Haven’t got the figures
but it was an impressive display and the tourists were getting
through the order.
BWE had some good young bowlers and the tired tourists eventually
were all out for only 80 odd, if memory serves, in only 22
overs.
Given that Liam and yours truly didn’t bowl the BWE
generously invited the pair to open the batting. Ed umpiring
already had his finger ready to raise as the mighty pair met
in the middle. Tourists mixed up the bowling from fast to
turning to slow to lefty and Liam and SOR rode their luck
for a while. Steve O notably scored 2x 4’s off his first
two balls faced, expertly edging over slip to the boundary!
Liam eventually bowled by one that tickeled top of the stumps.
A 16yr old Ollie joined the grizzled old fella and between
them began a creditable partnership. Both were droppe on the
way, Steve 0 eventually being bowled by a masterful ball,
Ollie soon to follow, both having scored 25.
The game didnt last much longer and soon all the happy fellows
retired to the pub for masses of buffet, once all the fines
had been paid. Ed and Liam got honourable mentions, yours
truly got fined ( mainly for an ‘Ely leave’ which
appears to describe my main batting stroke). Beer and sandwiches
enjoyed whilst watching the first Spanish victory of the day
at the tennis.
Very nice day all round, including excellent burger and
chips at the van ( under new management, but v good).
N.b. The tourists might make a very good team to visit, being
not far over the bridge, I’ll pass on the details.
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