The dusty, sandy outfield resembling any film in history that is set in a desert on earth or in outer space. The 3s turned up with some guests who were going to strengthen the team & we even considered batting first if possible.
John did the decent thing, won the toss & chose to bat. However, only half the team were at the oasis. Dicko & his mate were recreating Ice Cold in Alex (an old film for you youngsters) & trying to get there. The options for openers were limited, as the bowling attack had turned up on time, but the batsmen weren't all there. So, John opened up with Jack, recreating memories of last season. Jack was pleased to be opening, as the young lady who was swooning at his athletic prowess might think that he was good at cricket if he opened the batting? Good job his edge behind first ball wasn't taken.
John did his usual opening trick of hitting a few boundaries then watching for 36 overs. But, not before an all run 4 byes had been taken. Jack's mate Jono came out to bat & immediatley looked the part. Jack was out fairly soon & returned to romance by the pavillion. Regan, Dicko's mate, joined Jono & the pair looked unlike the usual 3s batting. As both don't usually play we all saw what we should be doing each week. Defending the good balls, hitting the bad balls & not taking any silly chances. Cricket looked a simple game - because it is!!!!
Jono & Regan moved the score on effortlessly & Hornchurch were parched in the desert. A big score was on the cards, but, then Hornchurch didn't play fair & brought on their best bowler, who bowled economically, beating the bat regularly. Regan went for 40 & then the real 3s batsmen showed their talent & we lost 4 wickets for a few runs in the space of a few overs. Jono then went too, for 33 & we were looking at a low total. But, Sam & Danny showed they had watched & learned from the 2 guests & scored a few runs. James came in at the end & managed to secure another batting point.
161 all out, was not as good as we expected at one point, but better than we expected after 25 overs.
A very generous tea followed, with lots of cakes, donuts, cookies & other such goodies.
Hornchurch's opener showed why he is the top run scorer in the division, as he helped himself to boundaries at will. All the bowlers bowled ok, but the opposition were just too good for us. Max took one wicket & John managed 2, but Horchurch were worthy winners by 7 wickets. Special mention to Danny, who was too good for the batsmen at times & was very unlucky not to pick up a wicket. Also to Jack, who had one over in a short spell.
Back to Braxted next week with Rayne the visitors.
