Match report vs. Blood Service 12 June 2006, Blackweir (skipper Richie, report Dan)

Another lovely sunny evening, the Casuals (well, Richie) lost the toss (again) and we were asked to field. Winkie and Shagger opened the bowling and were both rewarded with a wicket a piece (both bowled). With score on just 19 off the first 8 overs, the Blood Service were forced to up the tempo. Dave Thomas bowled a steady line and was unfortunate not to get a wicket, the best chance fell to Monty (aka Shakey) on the boundary, who positioned himself well under the ball then watched it just clear his head and go for a six. Nadeem at the other end 'mixed' it up and managed to get 2 wickets (bowled) and a third caught by Dan at mid off returning excellent figures of 4 overs 10-3. The oppo still in a sticky situation with only 50 off 15 overs. Rob Sage and Paul finished off the remaining overs, Rob getting 2 wickets - one bowled and one caught by Nadeem in the covers. At the other end the Blood Service started to 'have a go' and Paul was hit for 2 sixes, before the batsman went for one too many and was caught on the boundary by Dan. There was also a run out in the last over and the Blood Service finished the 20 overs on 75 for 9.

Andy Hood - 4 overs 10 runs 1 wicket
Dan Lewis - 4-8-1
Dave Thomas - 3-18-0
Nadeem Afzal - 4-10-3
Rob Sage - 3-7-2
Paul Stephens - 2-16-1

The Casuals reply began well with Shakey and Jamie Pike taking 14 off the first 2 overs. Shakey played an excellent sweep for 4 before being run out for 11 in the 6th over. This was the beginning of a mini Cazh collapse with Jamie falling soon after caught for 3 and Steveo being bowled for 5 (including one 4). 26-3 off 7. However, the collapse was stemmed with Goughy and BA playing confidently on a slightly erratic pitch and steadily ate away the Blood Service's total. BA's innings included a well struck 4 and 6, and by the 15th over the scores were level. The game finished 2 balls later with a four, Goughy finishing on 15 not out and BA on 24 not out.

Some might say the highlight of the game was in the pub after when a bevy of beauties turned up in school girl 'fancy dress' outfits, which turned the Casuals into a dribbling bunch of has beens - no change there then…….

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