Champions
OD Cuaco 2nd XI (and guests) with the KCL Division 4 Flag and trophy. The new lad next to the skipper reckons he can keep wicket a bit.
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Chislehurst & West Kent away
And so to the last game of the season. The mighty 2's travel to Chiselhust and West Kent for a local derby. The pre match expectations were that it was a game to be enjoyed in the spirit of cricket, a match devoid of the usual spats and standoffs that are synonymous with a local derby. Enter Chiselhust and West Kent, along with one particular bowler, and the dream of a leisurely afternoon playing cricket upon the hill scoffing scones and home made lemonade in the early autumnal sun are shattered beyond recognition.
The game starts leisurely enough with C&WK questioning the decision to field first on a wicket known throughout the league to be comparable to batting on a dual carriageway. At 60-0 off the first 20 and the sun starting to creep through the clouds the majority of the O.D.CUACO team were probably questioning their captains intentions.
Having seen off the new ball the C&WK openers started to play their shots and it soon became apparent that this was going to be a run minimisation task as opposed to the "roll them over and get in for early tea" the lads had been used to. The second bowling change and a tight spell from Simon Henley brought about the first clear cut chance of the game in the 22nd over. A sharp chance to keeper Dan Thorne saw the partnership broken.
The remaining opener continued to dominate the pace bowling attack so a change was made. From the cricket ground lane end Liam Bullock was replaced by Jake Caddy. Having bowled tightly all season he was to be put to the test to try to restrict the C&WK score. Bowling probably his best spell of the season his reward for stemming the flow of runs was to take two of the next three wickets. The first juggled but finally snaffled by skipper Alex Lake and the second was the quicker ball darted in at the batsman, one wild swish later and he was on his way back to the pavilion having been clean bowled.
One wicket from Dave Minette and two picked up when Liam Bullock returned to the action saw C&WK finish their innings on 209-6. A good performance on a wicket that usually brings about a first innings total of 240+ and with only a couple of the most difficult chances going begging. That said a score of over 200 is never easy to chase and the consensus at tea was that O.D.CUACO would need to bat well to be victorious.
A special mention should be made for Simon Henley and Dave Minette who share the bowling prize for taking the most wickets during the season. A great accolade for two cricketers entering the twilight years of their careers.
A good start was required, some classic swipes across the line from Tom Churcher prompted the umpire to comment "he's got a good eye that kid, no technique but a good eye, if he didn't have a good eye he would have been out a long time ago." I think there is a compliment in there somewhere!
There was an ugly incident involving Ben Webster and a C&WK bowler. An attempt to run Webster out whilst in his delivery stride resulted in 13 players surrounding the 2 umpires. Following a 5 minute delay the lesson learnt was that attempting to run people out whilst running up to bowl should be left to school cricket, whilst those residing in division 3 next year will hopefully be attempting to play the proper game.
Webster and Churcher continued to smear the C&WK opening bowlers to all parts as calls of "fetch it" rang out from a now raucous O.D.CUACO bench. It proved to be one flamboyant shot too many for young Webster as he succumbed to the nippy opener for C&WK. Trying to drive on the up he skied one that was taken well by the fielder at mid on.
The wicket stifled the flow of runs from the usually free scoring Churcher with the next 5 overs only going for 12 runs. Trying to push the scoring along Churcher was run out by a direct hit from the C&WK fielder stood at mid wicket. That was to be Churchers last act in a season that has seen the young lad show glimpses of his potential. Regularly making scores for the 2's has seen him top the clubs averages and 4th highest run scorer in the league.
With the openers both removed and our last two recognised batsmen at the crease the tension within the O.D.CUACO camp was as thick as one of Cantles pint and cake challenges! But commeth the hour, commeth William Sanders.
A quite brilliant 61 in under 40 balls saw the ODCUACO 2's move to within touching distance of victory. At drinks he was stood motionless apparently eyeing up the road on the far side of the ground. His intensions were made clear soon after the restart. A ball launched towards the road appeared to be aimed directly at the No. 52 bus. By the time Sanders was dismissed ODCUACO required under 40 for victory.
A situation the OD boys have been in numerous times this year and one tailored for "The Finisher" aka Russ Newell. Newell, still troubled by a hamstring injury sustained in last weeks league winning victory, was being rested and the task fell to Simon Henley.
And finish he did, with a blistering 22 an aggressive Henley showed once again why he is a wasted talent usually residing at No. 11 in the batting order. He was partnered by Dan Thorne throughout who batted brilliantly showing patience and resilience. Thorne saw the OD boys to victory with a delightful flick off his legs for four bringing up his second 50 of the season that has seen him stamp his authority on the number 3 spot.
The 12th victory of the season ensured the O.D.CUACO 2nd XI had their greatest ever season achieving a win percentage of 80% and beating the glory days of 2003 when only 10 wins were recorded. The league was secured last week and that final win ensured daylight between them and the nearest competitors. A superb season had by all who played for the 2’s this season, whether they were stepping up from the 3’s, coming down from the 1’s or a regular in the 2’s. A good reminder of the strength in depth that the O.D.CUACO club currently possesses.
Another encouraging statistic was the average age of the team, often 4-5 players would be under the legal drinking age with all of them holding their own within a successful team. Thus proving what a brilliant job is being achieved by Andrew Mew and the entire colts section. This promotion takes the 2’s back to the third division and more of the same is to be expected next season. The skipper Alex Lake will not be satisfied until at least one more promotion is achieved and even repeating the antics of 2003 when the O.D.CUACO 2’s reached the dizzy heights of division 1.
The game starts leisurely enough with C&WK questioning the decision to field first on a wicket known throughout the league to be comparable to batting on a dual carriageway. At 60-0 off the first 20 and the sun starting to creep through the clouds the majority of the O.D.CUACO team were probably questioning their captains intentions.
Having seen off the new ball the C&WK openers started to play their shots and it soon became apparent that this was going to be a run minimisation task as opposed to the "roll them over and get in for early tea" the lads had been used to. The second bowling change and a tight spell from Simon Henley brought about the first clear cut chance of the game in the 22nd over. A sharp chance to keeper Dan Thorne saw the partnership broken.
The remaining opener continued to dominate the pace bowling attack so a change was made. From the cricket ground lane end Liam Bullock was replaced by Jake Caddy. Having bowled tightly all season he was to be put to the test to try to restrict the C&WK score. Bowling probably his best spell of the season his reward for stemming the flow of runs was to take two of the next three wickets. The first juggled but finally snaffled by skipper Alex Lake and the second was the quicker ball darted in at the batsman, one wild swish later and he was on his way back to the pavilion having been clean bowled.
One wicket from Dave Minette and two picked up when Liam Bullock returned to the action saw C&WK finish their innings on 209-6. A good performance on a wicket that usually brings about a first innings total of 240+ and with only a couple of the most difficult chances going begging. That said a score of over 200 is never easy to chase and the consensus at tea was that O.D.CUACO would need to bat well to be victorious.
A special mention should be made for Simon Henley and Dave Minette who share the bowling prize for taking the most wickets during the season. A great accolade for two cricketers entering the twilight years of their careers.
A good start was required, some classic swipes across the line from Tom Churcher prompted the umpire to comment "he's got a good eye that kid, no technique but a good eye, if he didn't have a good eye he would have been out a long time ago." I think there is a compliment in there somewhere!
There was an ugly incident involving Ben Webster and a C&WK bowler. An attempt to run Webster out whilst in his delivery stride resulted in 13 players surrounding the 2 umpires. Following a 5 minute delay the lesson learnt was that attempting to run people out whilst running up to bowl should be left to school cricket, whilst those residing in division 3 next year will hopefully be attempting to play the proper game.
Webster and Churcher continued to smear the C&WK opening bowlers to all parts as calls of "fetch it" rang out from a now raucous O.D.CUACO bench. It proved to be one flamboyant shot too many for young Webster as he succumbed to the nippy opener for C&WK. Trying to drive on the up he skied one that was taken well by the fielder at mid on.
The wicket stifled the flow of runs from the usually free scoring Churcher with the next 5 overs only going for 12 runs. Trying to push the scoring along Churcher was run out by a direct hit from the C&WK fielder stood at mid wicket. That was to be Churchers last act in a season that has seen the young lad show glimpses of his potential. Regularly making scores for the 2's has seen him top the clubs averages and 4th highest run scorer in the league.
With the openers both removed and our last two recognised batsmen at the crease the tension within the O.D.CUACO camp was as thick as one of Cantles pint and cake challenges! But commeth the hour, commeth William Sanders.
A quite brilliant 61 in under 40 balls saw the ODCUACO 2's move to within touching distance of victory. At drinks he was stood motionless apparently eyeing up the road on the far side of the ground. His intensions were made clear soon after the restart. A ball launched towards the road appeared to be aimed directly at the No. 52 bus. By the time Sanders was dismissed ODCUACO required under 40 for victory.
A situation the OD boys have been in numerous times this year and one tailored for "The Finisher" aka Russ Newell. Newell, still troubled by a hamstring injury sustained in last weeks league winning victory, was being rested and the task fell to Simon Henley.
And finish he did, with a blistering 22 an aggressive Henley showed once again why he is a wasted talent usually residing at No. 11 in the batting order. He was partnered by Dan Thorne throughout who batted brilliantly showing patience and resilience. Thorne saw the OD boys to victory with a delightful flick off his legs for four bringing up his second 50 of the season that has seen him stamp his authority on the number 3 spot.
The 12th victory of the season ensured the O.D.CUACO 2nd XI had their greatest ever season achieving a win percentage of 80% and beating the glory days of 2003 when only 10 wins were recorded. The league was secured last week and that final win ensured daylight between them and the nearest competitors. A superb season had by all who played for the 2’s this season, whether they were stepping up from the 3’s, coming down from the 1’s or a regular in the 2’s. A good reminder of the strength in depth that the O.D.CUACO club currently possesses.
Another encouraging statistic was the average age of the team, often 4-5 players would be under the legal drinking age with all of them holding their own within a successful team. Thus proving what a brilliant job is being achieved by Andrew Mew and the entire colts section. This promotion takes the 2’s back to the third division and more of the same is to be expected next season. The skipper Alex Lake will not be satisfied until at least one more promotion is achieved and even repeating the antics of 2003 when the O.D.CUACO 2’s reached the dizzy heights of division 1.
2nd XI home to Chislehurst & West Kent
After some overnight and morning rain, it was a nice sunny day and dry hard strip that greeted the teams. Unfortunately neither team could provide an umpire, so having won the toss Russell decided to field.
Iestyn Caddy started down the hill, generating some good pace. Simon Henley started up the hill and after one ball Russell set a double gully trap to get his opposite number, which he duly fell into on ball six by pushing the ball to Taylor Emblem at first gully. Simon got the other opener a couple of overs later, bowled, with a delivery that seamed, and we were seemingly into the tail.
Iestyn had a sharp opportunity put down at slip when Ben Webster decided to try and catch it with his chin. Ironically the gash left on his chin probably could have held onto the ball. Simon also put a very sharp chance down off his own bowling, and after 5 overs he made way for the returning Dan Smedley.
Smedders started slowly, but gave the batsmen something to think about. At the other end it was Caddy for Caddy as Jake took over from his brother. Unfortunately Jake hurt his back after 2 balls and, after finishing his over with spin, was replaced by another good youngster in Billy Rouse. With Billy bowling good lines and moving the ball, and Dan finding his groove, wickets were bound to fall. It was Billy who struck first, removing the no 3 bat's off stump.
After some attempted lusty blows, the 4th bat chipped the ball to Will Sanders at mid-on, and Dan was on the score sheet as well. The 5th and 6th bat's were the only CWK players to get going, but after a steady 19 the number 5 bat scooped the ball tamely to Henley at square leg off the bowling of Rouse. Number 7 looked nervy, and was soon on his way courtesy of Billy, clean bowled.
Iestyn replaced Billy, and the equally nervy looking 8 and 9 were soon on their way caught at mid-wicket by Dan and LBW. Jake made another bowling cameo with an over of spin, and could have had a couple of wickets if John McLaughlin and Billy had held onto chances, and if Will had stayed on the edge of the ring where Russ had put him. But his back still wasn't up to it.
The penultimate bat looked to add some quick runs, and with only 90 on the board they would have been welcomed by his team. Simon came back for the injured Jake up the hill, and eventually found the right line for the number 10 bat to give Dan his second catch of the day. With not many runs on the board and only 32 overs gone, the 6 and 11 looked to dig in and play out some overs, which they did successfully getting their side up to 131 off 37 overs. Henley then came on down the hill and a straight full toss put an end to their number 6 after he had quietly crafted 30 runs.
Another wonderful tea from Miss Lake was hoovered up by the hungry players, and it was time for the home side's reply.
Will and Ben started things off, with Will straight onto the bowling in his usual form. Ben looked to be facing the tougher of the bowling from the other end, and so it was with the bowler taking 3 early wickets for not very many. Ben went bowled for one, Taylor then fell to a Yorker for four and John edged his second ball to slip who took the catch at the second attempt. The other bowler also too an early wicket, Will bowled for 13, and D's were 19 for 4 from not very many.
But fear not as Toby Webster and Jake stepped up to steady the ship, both looking very comfortable from the outset. Toby was striking the ball very well and leaving anything he didn't need to play, and Jake was pushing the ball into spaces nicely while waiting for anything loose to strike. Soon these young guns had the scoreboard looking much more respectable.
At 75 we lost Jake for 26 to a straight ball from the change bowler. In strode Russell (16*) to help Toby to a match winning 55 not out as we knocked off the score for 5 wickets in 31 overs.
An excellent fight back from the early trouble we got ourselves into, something that might not have happened in the previous few seasons. Could this be the nets paying dividends?
Thanks to Gail Caddy for scoring, and Foxy for doing some umpiring.
Top of the league, let’s carry this form on and win it from here!
Iestyn Caddy started down the hill, generating some good pace. Simon Henley started up the hill and after one ball Russell set a double gully trap to get his opposite number, which he duly fell into on ball six by pushing the ball to Taylor Emblem at first gully. Simon got the other opener a couple of overs later, bowled, with a delivery that seamed, and we were seemingly into the tail.
Iestyn had a sharp opportunity put down at slip when Ben Webster decided to try and catch it with his chin. Ironically the gash left on his chin probably could have held onto the ball. Simon also put a very sharp chance down off his own bowling, and after 5 overs he made way for the returning Dan Smedley.
Smedders started slowly, but gave the batsmen something to think about. At the other end it was Caddy for Caddy as Jake took over from his brother. Unfortunately Jake hurt his back after 2 balls and, after finishing his over with spin, was replaced by another good youngster in Billy Rouse. With Billy bowling good lines and moving the ball, and Dan finding his groove, wickets were bound to fall. It was Billy who struck first, removing the no 3 bat's off stump.
After some attempted lusty blows, the 4th bat chipped the ball to Will Sanders at mid-on, and Dan was on the score sheet as well. The 5th and 6th bat's were the only CWK players to get going, but after a steady 19 the number 5 bat scooped the ball tamely to Henley at square leg off the bowling of Rouse. Number 7 looked nervy, and was soon on his way courtesy of Billy, clean bowled.
Iestyn replaced Billy, and the equally nervy looking 8 and 9 were soon on their way caught at mid-wicket by Dan and LBW. Jake made another bowling cameo with an over of spin, and could have had a couple of wickets if John McLaughlin and Billy had held onto chances, and if Will had stayed on the edge of the ring where Russ had put him. But his back still wasn't up to it.
The penultimate bat looked to add some quick runs, and with only 90 on the board they would have been welcomed by his team. Simon came back for the injured Jake up the hill, and eventually found the right line for the number 10 bat to give Dan his second catch of the day. With not many runs on the board and only 32 overs gone, the 6 and 11 looked to dig in and play out some overs, which they did successfully getting their side up to 131 off 37 overs. Henley then came on down the hill and a straight full toss put an end to their number 6 after he had quietly crafted 30 runs.
Another wonderful tea from Miss Lake was hoovered up by the hungry players, and it was time for the home side's reply.
Will and Ben started things off, with Will straight onto the bowling in his usual form. Ben looked to be facing the tougher of the bowling from the other end, and so it was with the bowler taking 3 early wickets for not very many. Ben went bowled for one, Taylor then fell to a Yorker for four and John edged his second ball to slip who took the catch at the second attempt. The other bowler also too an early wicket, Will bowled for 13, and D's were 19 for 4 from not very many.
But fear not as Toby Webster and Jake stepped up to steady the ship, both looking very comfortable from the outset. Toby was striking the ball very well and leaving anything he didn't need to play, and Jake was pushing the ball into spaces nicely while waiting for anything loose to strike. Soon these young guns had the scoreboard looking much more respectable.
At 75 we lost Jake for 26 to a straight ball from the change bowler. In strode Russell (16*) to help Toby to a match winning 55 not out as we knocked off the score for 5 wickets in 31 overs.
An excellent fight back from the early trouble we got ourselves into, something that might not have happened in the previous few seasons. Could this be the nets paying dividends?
Thanks to Gail Caddy for scoring, and Foxy for doing some umpiring.
Top of the league, let’s carry this form on and win it from here!
Ashford Town CC 157 all out; OD CUACO CC 158-3
OD CUACO 2nd XI achieved a fifth win in seven completed league games and maintained their position at the top of the Division IV table with a seven-wicket win at Ashford Town CC. Stand-in skipper Russ Newell won an important toss and invited Ashford to bat on a slightly damp but flat surface which dried during the course of the afternoon.
Second-team debutant Iestyn Caddy was thrown the new ball and didn't disappoint in an opening spell that might easily have yielded a couple of wickets.
As it was, Simon Hunter, bowling into a stiff breeze at the opposite end, achieved two early breakthroughs courtesy of a stooping catch at mid-off by Tom Churcher and a diving, slow motion effort by Fox in the slips.
Ben Ealham, part of the fine cricketing family who have served Kent so well down the years, and young Smith looked to rebuild the innings and it took a good delivery by Dave Minette, replacing Iestyn at the top end, to trap the youthful No 4 in front. Veteran seamer Minette deserved a better reward than a solitary wicket and his 15-over spell would not have looked out of place in a higher level.
Liam Caddy picked up the useful wicket of Ashford skipper James Rodway and young prospect Billy Rouse pitched in with 2 wickets including the dangerous Ealham for 65.
Hunter, returning for a second spell, removed the last four Ashford batsman in a matter of 15 balls to leave him with superb figures of 6-20.
Fox and Webster started off the reply for the visitors in circumspect fashion, canny seamer Cooper offering little in the way of loose deliveries. Though short of match practice, the left-handed Webster appeared to be in excellent touch and it was a surprise therefore when he misjudged the length of one from Rodway and departed for 8.
Dan Thorne (18) joined the fray and played positively until unluckily dragging a wider delivery back on to his stumps. The in-form Churcher was next to the crease and together with Fox they moved the total towards the midway point. Fox (31) succumbed after a patient knock which featured too many shots aimed at the fielders.
The game was in the balance, but Churcher (42 not out) found a willing partner in new batsman Liam Caddy (36 not out) and through a combination of good running and precision hitting they took ODs surely towards their target. It was refreshing to the observe the manner in which the pair approached their task, with maturity belying their tender years and a belief in their ability to get the job done.
Overall an excellent team performance with each and every player contributing to the victory. Credit to Ashford CC for providing stern opposition and approaching the game in the spirit that you would associate with a club of their reputation.
Currently 13 points clear, OD CUACO will look to finish the first half of the season strongly when they host Chislehurst and West Kent CC next Saturday.
Second-team debutant Iestyn Caddy was thrown the new ball and didn't disappoint in an opening spell that might easily have yielded a couple of wickets.
As it was, Simon Hunter, bowling into a stiff breeze at the opposite end, achieved two early breakthroughs courtesy of a stooping catch at mid-off by Tom Churcher and a diving, slow motion effort by Fox in the slips.
Ben Ealham, part of the fine cricketing family who have served Kent so well down the years, and young Smith looked to rebuild the innings and it took a good delivery by Dave Minette, replacing Iestyn at the top end, to trap the youthful No 4 in front. Veteran seamer Minette deserved a better reward than a solitary wicket and his 15-over spell would not have looked out of place in a higher level.
Liam Caddy picked up the useful wicket of Ashford skipper James Rodway and young prospect Billy Rouse pitched in with 2 wickets including the dangerous Ealham for 65.
Hunter, returning for a second spell, removed the last four Ashford batsman in a matter of 15 balls to leave him with superb figures of 6-20.
Fox and Webster started off the reply for the visitors in circumspect fashion, canny seamer Cooper offering little in the way of loose deliveries. Though short of match practice, the left-handed Webster appeared to be in excellent touch and it was a surprise therefore when he misjudged the length of one from Rodway and departed for 8.
Dan Thorne (18) joined the fray and played positively until unluckily dragging a wider delivery back on to his stumps. The in-form Churcher was next to the crease and together with Fox they moved the total towards the midway point. Fox (31) succumbed after a patient knock which featured too many shots aimed at the fielders.
The game was in the balance, but Churcher (42 not out) found a willing partner in new batsman Liam Caddy (36 not out) and through a combination of good running and precision hitting they took ODs surely towards their target. It was refreshing to the observe the manner in which the pair approached their task, with maturity belying their tender years and a belief in their ability to get the job done.
Overall an excellent team performance with each and every player contributing to the victory. Credit to Ashford CC for providing stern opposition and approaching the game in the spirit that you would associate with a club of their reputation.
Currently 13 points clear, OD CUACO will look to finish the first half of the season strongly when they host Chislehurst and West Kent CC next Saturday.
2nd XI at Old Elthamians
What a day, what a turnaround. Unfortunately Lakey wasn’t around to witness it and so Tim Smedley led the team. Tim lost the toss but was pretty pleased to be asked to bat on what looked like a decent pitch by an unbeaten OE’s team (their two wins this year had come batting second).
Andy Rouse fell in the second over but then The Fox and Dan Thorne got us to 23-1. At this point we then unfortunately lost, Dan Thorne, The Fox and Chris Webster for the addition of no further runs. The innings began to look up for a bit and we found ourselves 39-4 but slumped to 54-7 and thoughts crossed out minds that we may be eating our tea with a pint at the end of the game.
The clouds then lifted and the sun beat down as Liam “Superman” Caddy then dug us out of a hole, grafting his way where required until he spotted his opportunities and launched some serious blows to the fence. The stand-in captain joined Liam and played and missed his way in a 71 run partnership. Liam carried on until he was last man out for 73 and thanks to his knock we’d reached a somewhat competitive total of 153, a far cry from where we (and OE’s) thought we may have been.
Jon Smedley and Ollie Fishlock shared the new ball and soon had OE’s in deep trouble. Jon bagged four wickets in his first four overs and the tide had well and truly turned in our favour. Jon brought up his five-for in the 11th over with his fourth off-stump yorker and the stand in captain grabbed a wicket of his own courtesy of a great catch by Liam “Superman” Caddy at second slip way above his head. Looking to get in the bar asap (but for the winning team), greedy Jon Smedley quickly picked up a couple more and Dave Minnette introduced himself with two wickets in his only over to wrap up a comprehensive win. Jon finished with figures of 9-0-42-7, good but not quite enough to grasp the bowling trophy of Northy! Not bad for his first game of the season I must say grudgingly.
Well played to everyone, we gave them a bloody good hiding! We didn’t drop a catch or misfield anything and never ever looked like letting OE’s back into the game at any point. However, we (and particularly OE’s) can certainly learn a few things from how Liam batted, particularly when we were in trouble and needed to occupy the crease for a while. As some old bloke once said, you can’t score runs from the pavilion!
Many thanks go to Ben Cockburn for umpiring.
Andy Rouse fell in the second over but then The Fox and Dan Thorne got us to 23-1. At this point we then unfortunately lost, Dan Thorne, The Fox and Chris Webster for the addition of no further runs. The innings began to look up for a bit and we found ourselves 39-4 but slumped to 54-7 and thoughts crossed out minds that we may be eating our tea with a pint at the end of the game.
The clouds then lifted and the sun beat down as Liam “Superman” Caddy then dug us out of a hole, grafting his way where required until he spotted his opportunities and launched some serious blows to the fence. The stand-in captain joined Liam and played and missed his way in a 71 run partnership. Liam carried on until he was last man out for 73 and thanks to his knock we’d reached a somewhat competitive total of 153, a far cry from where we (and OE’s) thought we may have been.
Jon Smedley and Ollie Fishlock shared the new ball and soon had OE’s in deep trouble. Jon bagged four wickets in his first four overs and the tide had well and truly turned in our favour. Jon brought up his five-for in the 11th over with his fourth off-stump yorker and the stand in captain grabbed a wicket of his own courtesy of a great catch by Liam “Superman” Caddy at second slip way above his head. Looking to get in the bar asap (but for the winning team), greedy Jon Smedley quickly picked up a couple more and Dave Minnette introduced himself with two wickets in his only over to wrap up a comprehensive win. Jon finished with figures of 9-0-42-7, good but not quite enough to grasp the bowling trophy of Northy! Not bad for his first game of the season I must say grudgingly.
Well played to everyone, we gave them a bloody good hiding! We didn’t drop a catch or misfield anything and never ever looked like letting OE’s back into the game at any point. However, we (and particularly OE’s) can certainly learn a few things from how Liam batted, particularly when we were in trouble and needed to occupy the crease for a while. As some old bloke once said, you can’t score runs from the pavilion!
Many thanks go to Ben Cockburn for umpiring.