14th June 2008

Away

vs Clifton II

League

Following our first defeat in the league last week, there was a strong sense of focus and intent from the Dolphins players when we arrived at Clifton’s ground.  Tom Roche was showing off his new bat that his work colleagues crafted in honour of his abysmal display (by his standards) the previous week. There was a renewed hope that this bat (4 times as wide as your average bat) might help him find form again.  What wonderful colleagues you have Tom, thoughtful, caring and most of all honest…..

Straight to the toss, Zippy lost  and the oppo decided they fancied a bat so we quickly got changed in preparation for our pre-game warm up…a quick chat about last nights exploits then the thought of fielding in the sun for 3 hours.

We opened the bowling with Andy and Holdy, who set about tearing into the attack.  Zippy adopted an aggressive field, leaving the oppo the chance to push for singles on leg.  Holdy struck the first blow after the opening pair seemed to ride their luck.  There was a lot of aerial stuff, with the Dolphs unfortunate in not getting more catching opportunities.  Brett Row started his “I want to be like Andrew Chrichton” campaign with a drop at slip, but the team held together their composure realising that our time would come.  Once again Andy Gregory bowled extremely well and was unfortunate not to take home any wickets. The introduction of Tom “Ferrero” Roche and Ron Giovanni gave the Dolphins a renewed vigour.  On a very flat pitch, they pulled out all the stops to introduce some variation.  With Clifton’s number 2 building up the score, there was a concern this game could run away from us.  But Dolphins fielded very well and with Ron claming 4 wickets the oppo finished on a 191 for 8.  Much to the surprise of the team, Brett Row finally held on to a catch….well done Brett!!!.

The Dolphins were quietly confident this score was achievable. After our performance here last year we knew there were runs to be had.  Gull R and Rayner C marched out to the middle, the aim was to see off the first 10. After seeing off 1 over, Gull R was marching back to the pavilion.  Holdy, Amit and Wilfy soon followed and there was now the real concern we might have thrown it away. Enter Brett Row and after a fine partnership of 95 with Chris, the Dolphins were now in sight.  Chris Rayner, who made a century here last year, batted with flair and panache.  He destroyed Clifton’s bowling attack together with their general will to live. He went on to make a 120 no and with the aid of Tom Roche they went on to make 193 with 6 overs to spare.

This was an excellent team effort, with everyone contributing (I did do the scorebook).  Chris Raynor made a fine century and we were all proud of his display….until he got back to the Club and embarrassed us with his drinking capability.  Even his sister looked away in disgust.  Brett Row could be coming into form, and as soon as Andy G takes a brace, he will have a fruitful season.

Love Gully

xx