Rascals v's Grannies - Chairman's log 8.5.2016 pt2

With a full side, distended with youth, and with seven good bowlers in the mix, it had to be said that we went into this game with a high degree of confidence.   On the day, the weather was more than kind and heralded what was likely to be a splendid day’s cricket.

Rossco took on the mantle of skipper (having prepped a wonderful looking pitch) and duly won the toss, opting to chase – as is our wont of yore. We took to the field in full voice, fuelled by a panoply of differing ales, kindly supplied (should that be correct term for the most expensive beer in the County) by The Bell.  The much-lauded Harry Scott took the new ball and, after his first two balls, our expectations were further fortified.  However, The Grannies had other ideas, and some very solid batting ensued, producing an enviable run rate, with wickets proving elusive. It’s probably a good thing that no one was scoring our book, as it would not have made comfortable reading.   Suffice to say that, after the allotted 35 overs, we had only managed to take 5 wickets, with the lowest-scoring individual Grannies batsman realising 30 runs.  The stand out performances came from skipper Ed Gardiner-Hill (73) and opener R. Snowden with a magnificent 108. Their side finished with 358 runs which, as far as my poor memory serves me, is a record innings score for any form of day game at Stonegate.

Our spirits were lifted by the ubiquitous cracker of a tea, most elegantly served by Mmes Beattie and Keeling, though the spectre of a 10.257142857142857 run rate was never far from our minds.  Predictably, and despite fine efforts from PK, the Felixes, Fred and, in particular Neilo (43 not out), we failed to attain the near impossible and finished the day with a highly creditable, if limp in comparison, 234, with one wicket to spare.  This total is one of our best ever and, had we batted first, we would have felt sated indeed.  Credit must therefore go to an outstanding batting performance by The Grannies, leading to their consummate victory by 124 runs.  I will pass over the dropped catches that regularly permeated the day.  Suffice to say that both sides were as guilty as each other (with the exception of Ed Gardiner-Hill who caught two blinders and, I am glad to say, is currently suffering badly with the effects of lactic acid).

Reparation to The Bull restored the usual high spirits and banished the incubus of the day’s defeat to the incarceration of mythology.