Match Report vs Uni Staff
20 August 2024 @ Abercarn (Skipper Jim, Report Rupert)
A damp and drizzly morning in Cardiff tried it’s best
to waterlog a resistant Wenvoe ground, but as usual the ‘exemplary’,
or should we say ‘fucks given’ groundskeeping
meant the game was playable on a greener than green pitch
that could’ve homed many a species.
Skipper Jim was early to the game hoping for his oppo Rhys
to be close behind. Although I’d rightly assume Rhys
likes his students to be punctual, clearly timings for himself
remain optional. Kindly Jim offered a late Rhys the choice
of bat/bowl via text; the casuals were summoned to field.
Nylon and DT to open the bowling against a tricky opening
pair. A steady resistance from bats 1 and 2 frustrated the
Casuals, with our bowlers signing off their spells with 0
wickets but a sense of pride that they weren’t hammered
to the boundaries often. Dan and Shakes stepped in to take
the pink ball by the horns! (I must say at this time, the
uni staff failed to populate the bowling analysis box so I’m
going off memory and Play-Cricket.com) – Dan got the
breakthrough with an LBW to batter 2, fortunately relinquishing
the strong opening partnership. Batter 3 seemingly did fuck
all and Dan bowled him. But bright spells from both Dan and
Shakes haltered the progress and kept the economy low.
SteveO and Will to finish it off then! SteveO decided to
assist batter 1 in retiring, offering him a few balls in the
slot which were despatched to the boundary. At this point
Rhys was in at 5 and clearly wanted a flavour of what his
opener was tasting, but SteveOs ‘genuine’ spin
bamboozled him as he sent the ball into the Nylons hands much
to the Casuals delight. Rhys gone and rightly bowing his head
as in disgrace as the smears and sledging were bellowed at
him from as far away as deep long on. Maybe if he turned up
on time, he could have got his eye in. Meanwhile Will, ever
reliable Will was bowing ‘genuine’ spin too taking
batter 4s wickets and keeping his economy low. Batter 6 was
trying to hit the planes flying over from Cardiff Airport
from SteveO and at times got close. But he got cocky with
his running and Jim took 2 quick run outs to leave 9 and 10
to gather a few runs to see the 18 overs out!
Uni Staff 134/6 (18)
Warren: 3 - 0 - 18 – 0
DT: 3 – 0 -21 – 0
Lewis: 4 – 0 - 14 – 2
Shakes: 3 – 0 - 13 – 0
O’Reilly: 2 – 0 – 37 – 1
Mason-Wilkes: 3 – 0 16 – 1
Will and Little Liam to open for the Casuals. Very short
lived for Forster, lasting 3 balls to a rather unorthodox
left hander. Rupert next in at 3 who decided to follow Forster
after a dodgy couple of 2s and offering completely f’
all to the game! Bryn came into accompany Will who held the
helm and dazzled as he started to get his eye in, maybe it
was the prospect of a newborn that stirred this tasty innings
or maybe tea was on the table at home and he wanted to retire
quickly so he could bugger off early.
Anyway, Bryn offered a quick-fire and useful 11 to keep us
ticking only to be bowled again (I’d like to use the
excuse that the sun was very much disappearing at this point
and visibility was poor). Bryn out and Stagg in, a flick off
the pads to the leg side for 4 from the start then a quick
single, Stagg was up for this, he had the bit between his
teeth! BOWLED! Nylon in next who accompanied Mason-Wilkes
to his retirement who was in his car before you could say
the words ‘Big-Mac’! A decent knock to say the
least, setting up the tailenders to get the win!
Skipper Jim came in to see it out, but that he did not, chipping
one from the edge to mid-wicket (I think). SteveO joined the
Nylon who fell shortly to another catch but offered a healthy
12 runs to the chase. Overs were now running out and Shakes
had his part to play, a run a ball from the last 4 overs will
do it! Two tasty looking fours from Shakes were welcomed by
the Casual supporters but ultimately life was short, and he
fell for 11 leaving Dan to try and see it out with SteveO.
SteveO and Dans ‘Cazh-ball’ partnership was unshakeable
with the cool, calm headed nature of the two veterans ensuring
the Casuals were home and dry with some flamboyant 4s and
a notable 5 balls to spare.
Another win for the Cazh, extend the season the boys have
found some form!
Casuals 136/7 (17.1)
Mason-Wilkes 50 (36)
Forster 0 (3)
Sayer 4 (6)
Wilkes 11 (9)
Stagg 5 (3)
Warren 12 (14)
Hodkinson 1 (3)
O’Reilly 9 (6)
Stephens 11 (10)
Lewis 9 (8)
Thomas DNB
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