Sunday match report on behalf of skip:
The Sunday lot after facing a very disappointing loss with SWF last week bounced back with a pleasant surprise strong, confident display to go past St Aidans in a Warsop League match by 1 wicket.
Toss does not matter on Sunday as skip likes to chase whether birds(Pheasants I mean :)) or cricket one rule for all. The Woodies fully hydrated on a very warm day went to the respective positions after receiving orders with their caps, hats and/or sun glasses.
Powell and Clubb were seen at nets and looked very eager to bat in contrast to woodies opening balling pair who were still struggling to come to terms with balling on a rather hot day.
Powell and Clubb batted with intent and put away any loose deliveries from the tea boy and younger Payne. The score almost 6/7 runs an over after the first spell of balling attack left skip pondering “Deja vu“. The skip responded with change in bowling, the star bowler “She said no” and “alleged magners lover”.
Rib returned the favour by tempting Powell to smash a slow delivery outside the off stump which was well caught by the diving skip, some would argue (not me) he fell over and in the process got his hands under the ball. Toby from the other end got Clubb trapped in front of the stump. The spell from Rib and Toby’s first spell brought runs in some control.
With Rib’s first spell coming to an end, Lucas looking very strong and determined to get good score for St Aidans , skip decided to attack them with spin. The skip reduced his 25 yards run up with “The Hull based doctor” coming up the stumps in anticipation of stumping opportunities. The other end saw newly married energetic happy smithy lined up to attack with pace. Britain had other ideas to attack the pace as he clubbed all but one dot ball to leg side, good village effective slogs on display, 22 scored in an over.
It became very clear that skip will have a hard time to control runs and get wickets. Skip bowled in tandem with Mr Tash. Skip removed Davies caught brilliantly by Smithy. Mr Tash bowled as ordered by skip to keep it tight.
With Mr Tash having completed the quota of 5 overs “she said no” returned and bowled another magic spell and took further 4 wickets to qualify for a Jug, which we still await. Woodies and catches don’t go together at least on a Sunday but it certainly did happen that day to support Tobs balling or the anticipated Jug of a fiver. Mickely catching with both hands and watching the orange ball sink in his hands, Smithy taking a brilliant catch without gloves, Chris catching one using his gloves and Mr Tash grabbing one at mid-off with one hand. Finally young Payne and skip dismissed number 10 and 11 respectively to contain St Aidans for 221 which at one point looked to go in higher 200’s.
Manoj Tripathi and Chris Roper opened for the home side. The response looked very positive with run rate at par when Manoj was judged LBW on 22. Woodies had a bit of disaster as Chris, skinny, DG and Mickley fell to reduce woodies to really less score for 5. It was becoming clear that we will finish early leaving enough time for possible banter, beer and BBQ.
Meanwhile we had a few woodies Yrag, skip, Cooky and Debs rescuing hedgehog. It was later announced on FB along with video evidence that the mission was success with hedgehog released to run into the woods.
Andy and Tobs had different plans and took up the challenge to chase as some lovely strokes were played all around the Woodham Park. After the drinks Toby caught on 38 brought the hedgehog rescuer skip to batting battle field. The pair Andy and George batted sensibly and positively until Smithy had to retire on 50 which brought Jarred to the crease. Jarred did not trouble the scorer and was replaced by Jack. Skip had a good time at crease and broke his forward defensive rules to hit a few boundaries and very ably supported by Jack. Jack and George built a good partnership until jack was bowled for 18 with only few runs left to win the match.
Rib came to the crease joining skip. 3.2 overs left 1 to win and 2 wickets remaining. The copy book defence form George on first ball followed by a chip shot on gully where Powell gracefully accepting simplest of catches.
So with 3 overs left Rib facing, 1 run to win and 1 wicket left it was anyone’s match or a tie. Manoj ready to watch from square leg umpire position and other woodies from the pavilion. All the fielders close in as a very accurate over was bowled. Rib fully committed to defend all right in front of him giving no chance for any catch or LBW. This brought Smithy back who managed to hit the second ball of the next over to seal the win for woodies with unbeaten 54.
Fantastic day at woodham with hedgehog rescue, banter, beer, lovely tea from JP, jug from Nathan and few kids from friends and family having fun on the ground with bat and ball.