17th May 2008

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vs Dunstable IV

League

Following last weeks successful match, the skipper had some enforced changes.  With Andy G sunny himself in his white speedos, and Jason Brooks in recuperation our bowling attack was going to be revised.  With the slim chance of getting a bowl this week, I ensured an early nights sleep along with missing out on the dolphs usual pre nuptials down the oak.  However,  I soon realised it would not be my day.  The skipper was soon on the phone to my secretary demanding to know why I was late, and then to top it all off, my kit-man (Gully Snr) had failed to pack my trousers.  I had a generous offer to borrow some shorts of Tom Roche, but eventually settled for Chris Raynors slim fit cricket trousers. Safe to say my sperm count would be down that weekend.

The skipper won the toss and decided to insert the oppo into bat. With the oppo only able to field 10 men, and with damp, overcast conditions there was a strong feeling we could put in a fine display.  So we marched out to field, with Richie G and Holdy scheduled to open the bowling.  We started well , with opening wickets from Richie G and a fine run out from Holdy following a slightly dubious throw from my good self…..forgot to say, the conditions were very wet, with the ball being very very slippy and not that easy to throw straight.  They bowled extremely tightly, making best use of what was undoubtedly an “interesting” track. 

Wickets eventually tumbled, despite Greg Lunz best attempts to sabotage our chances.  I registered at least two easy chances, and perhaps a couple that might have even stretched Chrichton and Brett.  Eventually he game good, taking one off the mighty Ron Giovanni.  I think the dolphs need to review their stance on overseas players….

Richie G has obviously been working on his fielding technique?  The knee is no longer the stopping limb of choice.  On Saturday, he introduced a shin stop.  Very effective, but concerned at how far he will push this strategy, and why can he just not use his hands?

Ron soon filled his boots, as we are now coming to expect, with a very tight display.  He soon reaped the rewards as the Dunstable attack was dissected.  Special note should be made to H Carr for Dunstable, he batted admirably given the conditions.

Eventually we were walking back to the pavilion following 32.2 overs, with the oppo making just 42.  Excellent bowling gents, and Deano worked very hard behind the stumps.

With rain clouds overhead, the message from the skip was to get this over and done with as soon as possible.  With the Dolphins, that could have meant being bowled out for 32!  So C Raynor and R gull marched out to bat with an added incentive that we could be down the club by 17.00 re-hydrating.  After 7.5 overs, we were skipping back to the pavilion having made the runs and bagging another 30 points for the Dolphs.

Excellent team display on Saturday, with everyone working particular hard in the field (except Greg).  Bit worried that Chris Raynor is modelling himself on Deano.  There was some interesting attire down the club.  The real test will be whether he dons denim shorts in the heat of the summer.  Zips, can we revoke player memberships on these grounds?

Gully R

PS Nice teas Elaine Holden

PPS We are top of the league