The indoor team played their first game of the second half of the season. John lost the toss & we were put in to bat. Nick & Joe opened up & both were excellent, running between the wickets well & using the walls , whilst hitting the odd boundary. Joe retired first & Drew came in, showing wonderful technique for the first delivery, leaving the ball, waiting for the wide as the ball went leg-side, only for the ball to turn & hit the top of the bat handle!
The rest of the over saw some great playing & missing. Drew's innings was soon over & Joshua came in, carrying on where he left off previously, slogging effectively & quickly. Nick & Josh retired, John came in, trying to emulate Drew with his first few deliveries, until he managed to hit a full toss for 6. John & Jamie did the right thing & got out quickly to let Nick, Joe & Joshua return, who had a go at the end to finish on 121 all out.
Missing Pooky's batting was one issue, missing his cricket knowledge & tactical genius was another, but the big issue was missing his bowling. John & Joshua had to bowl 3 overs each. The Willingale openers both retired as they coped easily with the bowling. John took a c & b for the first wicket, but Willingale were on track for a win. Joe & Jamie then swung the game our way, with some excellent bowling, reducing the run rate & containing the batting team. Joshua & John came back on & did better against the lower order batsmen. Nick took a catch off the wall, from Jamie & the game was neatly poised for a close finish. Wilingale took chances & we kept them just below the needed total.
Last ball of the game, Willingale need 3 to draw. Jamie bowls & a big slog hits the roof, for one run. The batsmen are running, which would be worth 2 runs & a draw. John sprints to the ball, goes for the run out with his trusty right foot, remembering that he saw some World Cup football recently, blasting the ball past everyone for an overthrow, giving a total of 4 runs & victory.
Willingale snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, courtesy of John's footballing skills.
Never mind, Springfield next week
