With dot heading off on an ill-timed saga cruise I’m afraid you’ll have to up with me – Marg – for a week, don’t worry I hear she’s having a great time!
So this week, and after two opening victories (something that we haven’t seen for at least 3 or 4 years) we headed off to Gayton for a game of cricket. In came Tony Hawk – AKA Gibbo for his first game of the season, Mr Holmes and Ricki was back in to open the fielding. Before play we were devastated to learn that Bentley Pimp, (Khurram) was infact borrowing the car last week from his boss, he only usually drives a Volvo – how disappointing!
Upon first inspection we wondered if they’d even realised there was a game scheduled, the outfield resembled a spring meadow, and as for the wicket, I’ve played rugby on harder ground!
But anyway, it’s the same for both teams… Ash (returning a little heavier after what looks like a very indulgent all inclusive holiday) ‘tossed’ and chose to bowl, asking Gayton to post a score. On what was the hottest day of the year so far, Josh and Pinny were thrown the ball, the former coming off his long run looked tidier but still isn’t hitting his straps, the latter seemed to take Angry Evo’s mantle – not only was he miserly, but he was bloody miserable, Tony’s banter definitely hit the mark, “you were a lot more jolly when you were fat”.
The first wicket fell in the 7th over to Joshy, with Pinny bagging his only scalp in the next, after Tony clung on to one (I know, I was surprised too!), Joshy got an LBW in the 17th (lord only knows how after the ‘umpire’ didn’t give one that was absolutely plumb to Pinny). So after 20 overs Gayton were on 49 for 3, Joshy (2-34) and Pinny (1-11), work to do for GP.
On came Shahid and Mr Holmes, and the wickets started to tumble, with 3 wickets falling in the next 4 overs for just 5 runs, Gayton were rocking. An agricultural 23 from Bobsin was the only thing that took Gayton to a semi-competitive total with Craig tidying up the tail in the 30th over. Shahid (3-8) and Craig (2-25) finished off the innings well.
For the 2nd game this season we were to re-take the field before tea after finishing off the Gayton innings nearly an hour early. Lee and Matt Young were given the responsibility of batting till tea, and they duly obliged, taking advantage of some loose bowling, and being mainly untroubled for 32 at the break. Sandwiches were scoffed, Cakes were consumed and squash was slurpped, and it was time to go again. Lee and Matt managed to put on another 18 runs for the first 50 partnership of the season before Lee managed to pop the ball back to the bowler (for a well constructed 34) to give Gayton a glimmer of hope.
In strolled Justin, with 32 needed off 29 overs he needed to go after the bowling a little more than he did last week 😉
Only joking, the run rate did drop somewhat, but in truth the pair never looked troubled and with Matty refusing to slap some Joshy-esque filth from a couple of 12 year olds (understandably I guess) we strolled over the line in the 23rd over, Justin winning the game with a huge 6 and a 4 (where they came from I’ll never know). Matt finishing on an unbeaten 26, Justin 23 in double quick time.
3 out of 3, all away from home, what’s going on?
Marg’s play of the game – Shahid’s 3 for 8 off 5 – strangled the innings completely and stopped the game getting away from GP.
Marg’s other play of the game – I’m afraid it goes to Tony the tiger and Tony Hawk for their sunbathing efforts, and the sinking chairs!
Marg’s did you know – this was the first game at Gayton since Evo’s infamous Roller-gate, and he was conspicuous by his abscence.
