The Indoor team had some selction headaches this week. The selected team had to be amended, as Pooky's covid-19 wouldn't go away & Joshua tested positive in the week before the game. Luckily, both rested players, Joe & Cheesey, had not made any plans (is there anything better to do on a Sunday than play indoor cricket?) & came to the rescue. For the next game we are considering an isolation camp bubble the week before the game to avoid any covid-19 germs.
The match report was delayed this week due to the Committee meeting on Monday evening, when this intrepid reporter writes up an accurate description of the game. With a further delay of 48 hours, the recollection of the game might be hazy........
Earlier in the season Great Totham had won comprehensively against Upminster, but as demonstrated against Galleywood recently, previous games cannot be a guide to results on the day.
John lost the toss & Upminster sportingly elected to bowl, as they had a very young team & realised the firepower in the Gt.Totham ranks. Nick & Joe opened up & moved along at 12 per over, without any issues, like Jason Roy & Tom Banton (sort of!). Joe retired first & Drew came in, keeping the momentum going. Nick retired & John came in, determined to continue with the run rate. That didn't happen & John didn't last long, playing his favourite shot - missing a straight ball. Cheesey in next, using a variety of strokes, including the crowd favourite of walking half-way down the wicket & getting hit on the toe, ouch!
Drew retired & Jack entered the arena, treating the spectators to a fine selcetion of batsmanship (see photo of one of Jack's finest moments). Jack did hit to cow corner (there is no cow corner in the sportshall, but Jack still tried to find it) before being bowled. Joe then edged behind & Nick was out on the final ball of the innings. A total of 153 was excellent, due to the excellent batting of Nick, 35, Joe, 40 & Drew, 34.
Jack opened the bowling, followed by John. A good start, but no Jason Holder heroics, which could have been better if Nick could catch an absolute sitter (see previous match reports for a description) or stump out the batsmen. Cheesey took a catch for the one wicket to fall. Drew had an over too & Upminster were doing well, but a long way behind the run rate. All that Gt.Totham were missing was wickets. A chance of a run out went begging as Nick fluffed the final part of the fielding. Cheesey then took a wicket & bowled economically, followed by 2 suicidal run outs, when the throws were nice & gentle so that Nick could manage to take the ball & knock off the bails.
The result was never in doubt, a victory by 50 runs. Gt.Totham are 2nd in the table, with a game against close rivals Writtle next.
