Well. it's finally here, what you've all been waiting for, the indoor season is back! I know that you will all be delighted that the proper version of cricket has returned & that journalistic standards will not lower, with accurate & impartial reporting of all games published via Reuters news agency.
For the first game of the season, back in the Premier Division, the anticipated fight for places did not take place. Pooky wimped out with a broken/unbroken arm/wrist, which will keep him out for a few weeks. Cheesey is busy preparing for the immenent arrival of the baby. Jack said he couldn't play as he was busy revising the offside rules of football. So, we were one player short with a couple of weeks to go. Well done to Jamie Phillips, who displayed the enthusiasm required to represent the club (plus, he can bowl!!)
The weekend arrives, John checks his indoor kit is ready & plans the bowling attack (open the bowling himself, wearing the 2022 top wicket taker cap whilst bowling is a possibility.) For batting, John might open himself too, why not? Well, now that he's in his 60s, & even slower between the wickets, it might not be a good idea.
Joshua's preparation involves thinking," I'll just bat like I did against Rettendon, it worked then". But, he might have to bowl too!!
Nick thinks "I batted like I was playing indoors all summer, so I'll just keep on doing the same."
Drew thinks "I'll be bowling again", which might reuire some pre-season practice. As for batting, he's hopeful that his form from the summer will not be recreated.
Joe considers "John tells me what to do every day at work now & I'll have to follow orders on a Sunday too!!"
Saturday morning & Drew reports in sick. The anxiety before the season's opening game proved too much & Drew drops out. Luckily, Sam Moon is able to step into the line-up (plus, he can bowl!!)
So, a much changed team takes on Willingale. John loses the toss & we are batting first.
Joe & Nick do a brilliant job & the score rattles along nicely, with no worries. Boundaries & 3s flow, both batsman in control. Joe retires having reached 25 & Joshua goes in. 3 balls later he's in double figures. A change of bowler & the Willingale skipper tosses up some tempting deliveries. The first goes for 6, the second brings a stumping. Jamie makes his debut & looks at home at the crease. The quick running between the wickets by Nick prove a little challenging for Jamie. But, Nick retires & Sam makes his debut & starts to smash the ball all over the place. Jamie is tempted by the Willingale skipper tossing up some tempting deliveries & is stumped. John comes in, hits a 6, then tries to run a quick (slow) single. His ideas that he can still run like someone half/third/quarter of his age are blown away as the fielder throws down the stumps. Joe returns & falls quickly. Nick comes in. Sam is caught out & Nick continues until he is tempted by the Willingale skipper tossing up some tempting deliveries & is stumped.
127 all out with more than one over left. We're in with a chance.
Sam & Jamie open the bowling. The openers do well for Willingale, scoring at a decent rate, with one retiring. But, the indoor team get into the game, when John speedily attacks the ball, picks up & throws in one sleek movement for a run out. Next, Nick takes a catch off Jamie's bowling & Joe takes a caught & bowled. The indoor team are on top & WIllingale are just behind the run rate. Joe & John are bowling & Willingale are having to take a few chances. Joshua springs into life &, displaying almost as much athleticism as his dad, runs out the batsman. Not to be outdone, John then shows his son how to do it & runs out another batsman. Willingale are down to their last batsman & need 27 off the last over. The first ball goes for 6, the second caught by Sam.
A famous victory on our return to the Premier division. Next week Broomhill.
