Match Report vs Barry
West End 27 May 2018 @ The Island (Skipper and report
Dan)
After a nervous wait to see if the game would be on (rain
the preceding evening and overnight), the call was ON and
everyone seemed genuinely pleased it was on. Not sure if this
was due to the plethora of projects that wives and girlfriends
had lined up for the individual Casuals or if the Cazh were
up for continuing the run into a streak (of wins, not naked).
Anyway, everyone turned up almost on time, the toss was lost
by Capt’n Dan and for the first time in memory West
End skipper chose to field first…did they know something
we didn’t or was it their plan to get the game over
and done with early… It could be argued that both were
true.
On paper, the Cazh had a strong top 3, and then to be fair
after that it would be up to players on the day…Rob
and Luvvers opened up and from the off the ball was moving
all over the place – through the air and off the wicket.
Over the years, the Island track was always a road –
consistent bounce with only little movement for the bowlers,
this Sunday not a bit of it. Luvvers took the strike for the
first 2.5 overs, scoring a boundary off the 2nd ball. Rob’s
first delivery was described by the umpire Goff afterwards
as ‘unplayable’ – swung away a touch , pitched
and cut in about 2 foot (though as this was Goffy’s
explanation it might have been straight given his ability
to see the ball at the crease) – anyway Rob’s
stumps were left akimbo and he departed for 0. Jesus next
up and started with confident blocks. There was also some
uncharacteristic play and misses which set the nerves jangling
from the sidelines and in the 5th over Gazza played on having
scored all the runs – 6 of the them. Paul promoted up
the order for stability enjoyed a partnership of 0 with Jesus
– as in Will in the following over let one through his
ample defences and was bowled for a 9 ball duck. Catastrophe.
The top 3 bowled for a combined 6 runs (all of which came
from Luvvers) from 6 overs.
Paul was joined by new recruit Martin, both with the intention
of sticking around for as long as possible. Pablo got a single
off the 7th over and the score stayed stationary until the
9th when Martin finally picking up a run, in fact 2 of them.
The pair of them played slowly but sensibly and watchfully
against a varied, mainly seam attack for the next 6 overs,
the ball continuing to be unpredictable. Returning umpires
all saying it was very difficult to bat as pitch was still
a bit damp and grippy. Paul was finally out in the 16th over
going for a 36 ball 8. 24-4. Goffy in next, a probably not
the best pitch or position to try and dispel the vicious rumour
that was going around – that he couldn’t bat…3
balls later appeared to trap the new spinner’s delivery
between his pads, spinning round and releasing at his stumps
– which hit. Another duck. At drinks the score had crept
to 26 – but at least 1 more than the Cazh’s worst
ever result (though that was a 20/20 game – another
6 or 8 required to go past the worst 40 overs result). Dan
joined Martin. Just before drinks Dan was almost out going
large against the very slow spinner, unable to help himself
and missing it. Anyway, for the next 7 overs the pair took
their chances and even run a 3 in the searing heat. It was
Dan who finally succumbed to the slow spinner – adjudged
lbw. Dan none too chuffed with the decision as it hit his
thigh above the pad, both umpire and standing batsman though
it was out, and off he trudged (the bowler had appealed for
quite a few so was due one). The score on 54 off 27.
Foxy, in next was made to work for his batting number 8 honour
– Martin made him run a few 2’s, one of which
was almost called through for a 3…oxygen at the ready…unfortunately
Martin was finally undone in the 30th over for 22. The score
then stayed static for a few overs before Foxy was bowled
for 0, but Obee1 managed score a couple which got him over
the line and milestone of 250 Casual runs, before being bowled.
Shakey was joined by a rare batting outing for Dave, they
put on a partnership of 2 before Dave was heroically out caught
and bowled. 66ao of 35 overs. It was hard work, but the bowling
had also been very good (regardless of the wicket)
Luvvers b6
Rob O b0
Jesus b0
Paul b8
Martin b22
Goff b0
Dan lbw22
Foxy b0
Pete O b3
Mark no1
Dave c+b1
Extras 4
The Cazh were instructed to demolish tea – as we had
to be seen as being good at something.
Then out to field. Typically, the ground had firmed up quite
considerably during the first innings and was no longer that
damp. Still, we’d give it a good go. Dan opened up from
the rail track end and Shakey from the pavilion. Dan’s
first was a maiden, and Mark’s only went for 1. Dan
got the breakthrough 2nd over with a very good catch by Jesus
behind the stumps. Shakey continued exceptionally frugally,
but without success during his 5 over spell. Dan’s 4th
over induced another edge behind, but Will’s late acrobatic
leap only managed to palm it off track from hitting Pete in
the face, but didn’t reach the boundary, in his 5th
another flew to Dave a backward point but he wasn’t
able to get more that a few finger tips to it (daylight seen
underneath his feet, briefly) and went to the boundary. 17-1
off 10. Goffy replaced Dan and Dave replaced Shakey. Goff
got a wicket first over – bowled, There was a few difficult
chances of catches - one went quickly to Pete in slips, but
with an heroic diving effort, he was unable to keep hold and
even Dan tried a dive to get one at cover, but couldn't get
his fingers underneath. Dave’s first was a maiden, and
was pretty good in his 2nd, though the 3rd saw his length
go a touch and the batsman took advantage.
Obee1 replaced Dave. Goff was replaced by Luvvers. Pete induced
a charge down the track which resulted in an easy stumping
(also a milestone 75 wickets for the club)and Gazza got a
wicket – bowling the opener who had played well. Foxy
given the opportunity for glory – requiring a 6 wicket
maiden to take victory (with the scores level) – he
failed. The Winning runs scored in the 26th over, so not a
total thrashing. The West End needed to keep their wits about
them – the ball could have started playing tricks again.
If we'd bagged a couple of the difficult catching chances
it could have a been a tight finish, but we didn't. Biggest
point of note – no extras conceded – that must
be a record…
Dan 5-2-12-1
Mark 5-1-5-0
Goff 4-0-12-1
Dave 3-1-13-0
Pete O 4-0-16-1
Luvvers 4-1-8-1
Foxy 0.4 -0-4-0
Extras 0
A slow, but very enjoyable match against an as per usual
friendly team. Andy F came along and took a few photo’s
which will make their way onto Facebook or the website at
some point. Everyone then headed back the sports and social
club for a pint and sandwich.
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