Hello my darlings.
It may have escaped your notice but it has been wet, flooded the pavilion hallway wet and thanks go to Tim Page and his army of helpers for ensuring the pavilion was in a usable condition by Saturday.
The big news of the week was the sighting of Normandy legend Junior Simpson strolling around the grounds on Saturday – it was fantastic to see the great man back at the club where his cricketing feats are still rightly lauded and rumours are that he may be coming out of retirement to save the club once more, so stay tuned!
On to the usual business of the Saturday round up which begins with news that the 1st team’s 100% winning streak has ended, albeit with a winning draw against Leatherhead. Some pretty ordinary batting saw the table toppers slump to 97 for 6 and they were saved by a terrifically gutsy 46 from Sam Holland aided by Little Viggy with 21 classy runs and Dan Miles whose quickfire 39 ensured we posted a tally of over 200.
Two early wickets put Leatherhead in trouble and when Little Viggy came on to bamboozle with his delightful left arm spin, the visitors nosedived to 64 for 6. They were not in the mood to give in though and eventually saw out the overs 8 down, the Vigster finishing with 4 for 27 and Dan Miles 2 for 64. Tennyson’s team remain top but this was a warning that its not going to be cake walk and we still need to be on top of our game to complete the promotion push.
Up the A3 to Malden and the 2s picked up a vital win in a real low scoring thriller. The home side were routed for just 84 with Ben Heane finally in the wickets – his 4 for 18 the standout bowling figures, with 2 each for AK and Lonnie Robinson.
This being the 2s it was never going to be easy and at 22 for 4 the task was already being filed under “up hill”. Burts and AK dug in and though they soaked up plenty of deliveries runs were in short supply. Burts finally departed for 3 to make it 37 for 5 and when Bradley followed it was 41 for 6. Cometh the hour though and enter Scrappy Wellfare who has had an up and down season so far but on this day was to be the difference between the sides. He and AK took the score to 60 before Arya was out for a battling 14. Teeny Jnr lasted just 2 balls and the question now was “could Scrappy find anyone to stay with him to the end?”
Of course he could, Ben Heane invigorated from his armada of wickets earlier was in no mood to end up on a losing side, safely negotiating 17 balls to allow Scrappy to get us home with 2 wickets to spare. His 35 not out at more than a run a ball in complete contrast to all that had gone before him. A terrific effort that helps life the 2s to 7th in the table.
Also on their travels were the 3rd team whose poor away form is rivalled only by their home form. The fact they reached 192 all out this week was all the more remarkable for their being only two double figure scores. Torquil Deacon again showing his class with 49 while Adam Jones took the plaudits with a fine 89 that underlines just how good a player he has now become.
The lower order showed some resistance as they hung around with Adam to at least add another 60 for the last 5 wickets – a huge improvement on recent weeks. Sadly, it was in vain as Sutton overhauled the target to defeat the 3s by 5 wickets – Hodgy and Founder grabbing 2 wickets each. The 3s are currently in the relegation zone and need to discover winning ways again.
The 4s also went down – runs again being in short supply as the ten men of Normandy were restricted to 135 for 3 from 40 overs. Mikey Scott nursed his dodgy hamstring through for 41 while Richard Spink and Matt Medlock each contributed 33 in such vastly different styles you could be excused for thinking two entirely different sports were being played.
It was never likely to be enough and so it proved as Sunbury trotted to victory for the loss of just 3 wickets with 7 overs to spare. The 4s lie comfortably mid-table.
Fantasy League
No update on the Fantasy League I’m afraid the scores form the 3s are yet to be added in but with the top 5 all having Adam Jones its likely they will still be in the top spots when the scores come through.
Usual reminders about updating MyClubhouse for your availability and ensuring you have paid your match fees right up to date through Slate. Every Tuesday the selection committee sits to pick sides for the weekend, giving up at least an hour and a half of their time regularly and every week their discussions are rendered completely pointless by people changing availability, dropping out or suddenly becoming available or on occasions all 3 so it would be great for once if you ALL get your availability correctly indicated on MyClubhouse and then stick to it. Maybe I’m just a dreamer but I believe in a world where it’s possible.
Lastly a call to arms to come along and support the Colts 70th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday from 1.30pm. Please drag along any ex-colts of your acquaintance to help celebrate the excellent work of the colts section and the friendships forged through youth cricket.
Right I’m off to sculpt Lionel Richie’s head out of cheddar cheese.
Ta-ta for now
Scottie Dog