25 May 2011 Verulam v Garden Fields
Nicklin brothers roadshow runs on
Goddess Fortuna a bit frugal with her luck
Smudger awarded Jumper by fashion police
Don’s magic bat does it again
On a beautiful summers evening, expectations were running high as the men of fields braced themselves for their forthcoming fixture with Verulam. The evening started with a touch of déjà vu when, after a quick count found they were a man down.
‘Who’s missing?’
‘Nice Guy,’
Who’s got the kit?’
‘Nice Guy,’
‘Who’s got the scorebook?’
‘Bunty,’
‘No, Nice Guy.’
Anyway the game had to start, captain for the evening Big Al, negotiated, won the toss, and put Verulam in to bat. As per tradition, Big Al called his troupes in for his customary huddle. Another quick count, another man down: Smudger had disappeared for a pee. The theme for this weeks huddle was for Big Al to cast a spell (he’s been watching to many Harry Potter films). The spell was cast with the use of a mirror, which was to bring good luck to the team. (Was this a wise move or would it backfire and bite the Nicklin brothers on the backside). So after lots of back slapping and telling each other how lucky they were, Tiny Tim opened the bowling with the Don at the other end. Tiny Tim was his usual economical self, conceding only 5 runs in his two allotted overs. At the other end a nervous Don was struggling to find his form but was very unlucky when he was dropped by Shep. Following TT at the St Michaels end was the Mighty Ant (Rookie jnr), a late replacement for the injured TPO, bowled a steady three overs. At the other end Rookie snr took the first wicket of the evening and should have had a second when he dropped a catch off his own bowling. Wilkie followed Rookie and we were dismayed at the sight of him being hit for 6. Big Al decided to have a go and bowled 2 tidy overs. His strategic field placing nearly worked as he was dropped no less than 4 times. But he finally claimed his wicket when Shep took a good catch. After a good start Verulam were now struggling for runs against Stirling, Smudger and Shep. Postie was again in form again with two stumpings. Before the innings closed there was time for one more dropped catch, this time Smudger off Shep.
Verulam 118 for 6 off 20 overs
PLEASE NOTE THAT GFCC BOWLED NO WIDES
With a run-rate of 6 an over required, confidence was running high in MOF camp. Tiny Tim was to open the batting with Stirling. Disaster struck in the first over when TT was run out for 2 runs. Wilkes came in at number three and started to push along the runs. This partnership looked to going places until Stirling was caught at square leg. Now it was the turn of Nice Guy, who finally showed up. After some frantic running between the stumps he was dismissed, caught behind for 2 runs. With the score 30 for 3 off 8 overs, Big Al sent in Shep, with Don’s magic bat. Now the runs started to flow, Wilks scoring 21 off his last over before retiring, Shep soon followed with 31 not out. So it was left to Rookie and Smudger to win the game, both played superbly. But neither could claim hitting the winning runs, as mis-fielding by the Verulam wicket keeper allowed consecutive balls to reach the boundary for 4 byes. The sight of captain Big Al encouraging the ball to cross the line like a demented Derby winner owner will not be easily forgotten. So, another victory for Garden Fields.
Garden Fields 121 for 3 off 18 overs
A jovial evening at the Six Bells followed and Smudger was awarded the Jumper for his (lack?) of fashion sense. The man that has more outfits than Lady Gaga. One minute he is sporting a blue bandana, next minute a smart navy blue jacket, but well deserved,
Statistics.
Bowling Batting
Tiny Tim: 2-0-5-0 Tiny Tim: run out 2
The Don: 2-0-25-0 Stirling: caught 10
Mighty Ant; 3-0-17-0 Wilkie: not out 39
Rookie: 2-0-17-1 Nice Guy: caught 2
Wilkie: 3-0-14-1 Sheps: not out 31
Big Al: 2-0-10-1 Rookie: not out 10
Smudger: 2-0-7-1 Smudger: not out 9
Stirling: 2-0-4-1 Extras: 18
Sheps: 2-0-6-1