Charlton Down Cricket Club

CHARLTON DOWN V CHURCHES

JULY 12 2007

Well, we finally get to play a match, and what a game it turned out to be. Churches, our very friendly rivals, who always give us a challenge.

We were duly inserted and started off well, scoring 35 off the first five overs. Then a mini collapse saw Space Cadet Smith, Chris (the Cookie Monster) Coates Dale, and Skip all perishing to some very tidy bowling. 47 off 10 overs.

Jim the debutant and Mad Mark put together a useful stand, and with some help from Chris (Jesus) Towndrow we somehow scraped to 102 off our allotted 20 overs.

I didn’t think it enough, and Churches batted very sensibly to keep themselves well on track. However the run rates was creeping up and as the running got more desperate, enter Randall Rudo! A quick single attempted… Hot from some intense fielding practice, Rudo swept like something that swoops, and in one graceful movement gathered the ball and whoosh!!! He fell over. But not before his carefully aimed throw left the batsman well out. Oh what joy and merrymaking!!

Wickets then tumbled at regular intervals, but occasional lusty blows kept Churches in the hunt…. 36 off 6, 28 needed off 5….. But we fight back, the bowling is tight and at last a chink of light…. Divine or otherwise, and 18 needed off the last two overs, 12 required off the last over, a dodgy wide, a few scrambled runs, but 5 needed off the last ball. A big swing into the deep, but not enough….. We scramble home by 2 runs.

 That‘s seven out of seven, but we were very fortunate. The Pavilion was then transformed into a sweaty drinking den, as we took advantage of our Temporary Licence and the air was filled with the smell of chips, beer and jockstraps. It was commented on how affectionate Mike was being to his darling wife….. Because he was arseholed…..

 And so off to the next one…. Colliton on Monday….. See you there.

Andy

FOOTNOTE: the wife of Lingham reports it's a love thing not drink!