Charlton Down Cricket Club

'He who laughs last, laughs the loudest!' A wise man once said to me, or perhaps it was Cos?

Anyway the final game in this hard fought series against Buckland commenced. The Lords Gaggle ground had passed it's ICC pitch inspection and was actually looking fit for purpose. A sunny day and crowds had flocked in, albeit to use the kids playground.

After half an hour, of having had the yocals boundary rules explained, the game commenced with a strong start made by Buckland's opening batters. Steady bowling from Z and Merv were both unfortunate not to take wickets. The introduction of team pro, Mr Fragence, resulted in his usual flurry of wickets and misery figures. Ably assisted by Matt Lowther the brakes were partly applied. However, the opposition's most irritating batter (every team has one eh Nick), Zim-nine lives, had somehow accumulated a near half century and tension was building. Enter Badar whose bowling and qualities were a joy to watch. Finishing with a five-for his pace, accuracy and length accounted for good wickets of Kim, Pads et al. However with a sting in the tail their hard hitting batsmen milked Nick Roe (as every self respecting person should) and reached 187 all out. Special mention to Erik B for a wonderful one-handed catch!

JB and Doug replied for the Village with the former smashing Kim's opening overs all round the park. However, disaster was to strike as a constant stream of wickets then fell, in rapid succession. Nick, I play for Dorch, was however still at the crease so hope remained. However, having played and missed (by a distance) at a ball that wrapped his chest guard he was triggered by Merv who had just returned from KJ's umpiring finishing school. A real stinker, sorry Merv. Jeers and shrieks apart, the Village, at 80-8, were condemned men. Even worse, feral Zim bounded around with a whooping and a hooting! Still whinge-bag Holdcroft and Zarak managed to hang-in. Z gradually took control with some measured hitting. With 7 overs left, Holdcroft's luck ended (60) with the score on 180. Zim was particularly bowling well with guile and control. Last wicket left, 8 needed and Kim smelt victory. Enter the Merv, unfazed and calmness personified, he and Z took us to the finishing line and victory was ours!! Inspired batting by Z (40 odd not out) in a pressured situation and Badda's bowling were brilliant to watch. Great suspense, great team efforts from both and Kim's boys played the game in fantastic spirit.

Final apologies to umpire Merv following a typical Holdcroft whinge. . . Sorry. And then saving the best till last! Now, Zim, what was I saying about he who laughs last!

Best wishes to all, stand-in cricket correspondent.