Match Report

This could be a touch of deja vu, just 12 months previously I wrote a report for the game on this corresponding weekend. Last year it was against Nigel Cassidy XI, where we were short up until the last minute because of other events that day. British Grand Prix, Wimbledon Final, Euro 2016 Final, and a Vadivale wedding. Could this really all happen again?

The answer is almost! A week early for the Grand Prix and Wimbledon Final, no Euro Football, but yes, another Vadivale wedding (are there any more to come?).

This year our opponents Old Salopians were the ones struggling for players, as of Thursday they only had 7, as it was my first game skippering for a few years I was quite keen to get a game in, and with a bit of persuasion the opposition skipper agreed to travel even if we ended up playing 9 a side.

Fortunately, this was not the case and the arrived in plenty of time with a full contingent. That’s more than can be said for us. As the clock approached 2.25, the gleaming black German 4 x4 roared into the park. Thank goodness! Stevyn Jackson, who was in a fine vein of form with the bat, according to the Club Captain, had arrived. “Put your gloves on Stevyn, you’re keeping!” I roared. And he duly meandered into the changing rooms, emerging in his freshly ironed whites at 2.34, it was a shame he had to return to put on his pads and gloves, as he thought I was joking!

Well having agreed to a delayed start with the opposition captain we got under way at 2.40, and we were soon into a miserly spell from skipper, at the top end James Mitchell fired a few down, but the breakthrough came as Jason Williams came on as first change to bemuse them with his Warnesque like deliveries.

The pick of the bowling was Jo Moorman and Andrew Wilcock both picking up a pair, and the only catch of the day was a cracker from Morris senior. Salopians declared on 223 for 6 at tea, after receiving 47 overs (Fletcher 71, Mason 45 and Extras 32) lead the scoring.

With what on paper was a good batting line up I was keen to get off to a good start, which we did with some lusty blows from Dan Simpson (26), and some classy strokes from Ben Green (23). However, the highlight of the match was a 142 partnership between Jay Mumtaz (46) and the imperious Joe Moorman (84NO) batting at 5. And to quote from Stevyn Jacksons email “It was a delight to umpire, even though being nearly decapitated twice by 2 brutal straight drives both Messrs Moorman and Mumtaz).

It was indeed a delight to watch and be a part of this game as we reached our target scoring 226 for 4 off 35 overs. A great result. And to appease Stevyn our third highest scorer was indeed extras (37). So you didn’t do too bad..

Thank you to all those that participated, and made it such an enjoyable day all round.