Tues 13 Nov v Flamstead: Match report

I had a feeling that things might not go well last night. It all started with a phone call from Tim M. He claimed his car was in service, but he had also had a few pints at lunch and then more after work. So I was the taxi service (;(

The match started well enough with my winning the toss and I invited Flamstead to bat. Dave opened the bowling and this was a fine first over apart from one wide, which Graeme missed too, adding 7 to the total. John Callender followed and I sure he would admit, he did not have a great night, his radar was definitely turned off. Dave followed up with two fine more overs. However, after 5 overs and a considerable number of extras, Flamstead were off to a roaring start climbing to 60 when their first batsman retired. This was contrasted heavily with their other opener who only scored his first run in the 5th over! After this over, the scoring rate started to drop. Tim M started the 6th over and bowled very well without luck. I then took our first wicket in the 7th over with a poor short delivery that John Callender safely pocketed. The 8th over from Tim M was a revelation and the Flamstead innings fell apart. He bowled their opener who had still only scored 2 after all this time, then immediately bowled their number 4. Sadly he could not conjure up a hat-trick as this ball was a rank long hop. However, two balls later, he yorked their number 5. Three wickets in an over, a record I think for us. To further insult Tim, on the advice of Dave, I removed him from the attack to let him bowl the last over. Next over, I got rid of their number 3 via a fantastic catch from Graeme standing up off a thick inside edge. John Cowan completed the innings by bowling their last man in the penultimate over. This left Tim high and dry and not required for the last over. Flamstead were 96 all out, quite a collapse from 71 for no wicket and no run outs, which must also be a record.

Batting was bit of a procession, particularly as Dave and Graeme started well putting on 50, with Dave retiring just ahead of Graeme. We then had a mini collapse with John Callender pushing tamely to short mid off and I ran out the London Olympics sprint hopeful, John Cowan. I then attempted a pick up off my legs but changed my mind and offered a very gentle catch to the leg side off the side wall. This left us at 60 odd for 3, but Dave and Tim M saw us home safely with three overs to spare.

Another excellent win and full bonus points again. This closes the gap on Redbourn, but they are now played 6 won 5 and still representing a threat. We need to win against Final CC who are currently third next week.

Graeme suggested we should introduce a man of the match award for each game. There were a number of good performances last night: Dave unbeaten on 30 odd and three good overs at low cost, Graeme another unbeaten 25 and a fantastic catch. However, Tim M gets the award for his three wickets in an over and being not out at the finish. He should go out drinking more often!