Match Report
Sunday 26 May -v- Edenbridge at The Willows, Chislehurst
The pitch was in pristine condition, the weather fine and an aroma of expectancy drifted across the picturesque field of play - or was it the freshly deposited dog dos. On winning the toss, the skip decided to give the oppo the pleasure of amassing a huge total, which they duly did. Spud and Daz opened and managed an effective holding job on the scoring without making a breakthrough. After thirty overs the total was a modest 120 but in an effort to break the partnership, the skips selection of bowling changes severely backfired. The final 11 overs yielded a further 95 runs, with Daz gaining the only breakthrough, dismissing the fat chap. Edenbridge eventually declared at 215-1 after the other opener had reached an impressive and chance less ton. Various rain dances were tried during the tea interval as the skip desperately tallied the probable runs that could be relied on from the assembled nine. With fingers spare a policy of all out attack was ventured. Johnny Braithwaite and Graham were entrusted with putting quick runs on the board. They duly achieved, against an ultra attacking field, to the tune of 19 runs. John carried on in a similar vein after G.R’s demise accompanied by reliable Moysey. A flurry of disturbed stumps and held catches brought to an end any fantastical idea of victory that may momentarily have flashed through the skip’s mind. Daz's inclusion in the fatalities seriously undermined any notion of a rearguard action. Spirited resistance delayed what should have been the inevitable with all the late order occupying valuable time. Eventually the skip was joined by the redoubtable Fats Wilsdon and with 14 over still remaining they set about salvaging a draw. With an all spin attack in operation Chris carried the conviction of an experienced stone-waller and even started to look confident in his abilities.
Talk of a returning quickie soon changed his appearance and an ominous brown stain emerged on the back of his trousers. A suicidal single ensured Chris his bodily safety and left the skip the uncomfortable pleasure of facing a mad Kiwi hurtling from the backdrop of the woods for the final three overs. Despite being beaten three times out side the o ff stump and having his ribs tickled by a lifter, the final over was successfully negotiated and a momentous draw achieved. Chris Wilsdon not out 0 from 34 deliveries - surely Man of the Match.
Hearty well played’s and handshakes were followed by post match refreshment with a very affable opposition, who despite their long trip home were still entrenched in the bar till 9.30,unlike a disappointing number of our side who were conspicuous by their absence.
Pen Pics
Laughing Man -Career best 22.First misfield of the season.Didnt laugh nearly enough.
Silly hair-do -Survived possible third Golden Duck for rapid 11.Keeping more like Gordy every day.
Gonads -Glad Jim didn’t show as he only got 1 wicket and 6 runs.
Millwall Fan -Got away with his teams defeat against Brighton very lightly -so HAHAHA
Sumo -Made large impact on the scoring on his season’s debut.
Ian Brown -Batted very sensibly and bowled creditably at a tricky time
Spud -Economy itself with the bail and top score with the willow - still cant believe we got a result.
Bandit -Tremendous bowling - some wish he was as charitable in the bar.
Tubby -Quite the finest display with a bat that’s been seen since the BT Boy era - shame about his bowling
Hartley J.R. –Not required.
