Charlton Down Cricket Club

Jim’s Farewell

Hospital Services v Charlton Down( away at Ferndown)

Sunday 16th September 2007

So to the last competitive match of the season and we travelled to Ferndown to play Hospital Services. It was a sombre day as Jim Mitchell turned out for his last match for the club and emotions had to be set aside for the game to proceed.

After winning the toss I decided to bat first. Not much can be said about our batting display as the whole top order with the exception of the talented Jim Mitchell got themselves out by playing rather expansive (last game of the season rash) shots. Jim hit a beautiful trademark cover drive but periled as he played on to his stumps. Jon Butterworth top scored with 27 which included a straight hit six so big it would have cleared the old lime tree at Canterbury, or actually cleared the tree and the ground at Canterbury… in actual fact I believe it probably would have cleared Canterbury altogether and ended up in Dover. Anyhow after the ball had hit a satellite orbiting the earth it finally landed in the woods beyond, the ball was found and play continued, with the rest of the team left pondering what would have happened if JB has used his “big bat”!! Dave Saxby also hit an impressive six in an innings that occupied the crease as long as anyone else had previously managed. It should also be noted that the Chairman Richard Mann warmed up for the big ‘Club Captain vs Chairman’ match with a resounding duck! An impressive spell from Hospital Services opening bowler Dunbar restricted us to 93 as he took a staggering 8-42. Other notes of interest….none!!

Before the home team’s innings a commemorative photo was taken as Jim lined up beside his friends and fellow players. Everyone fought back the tears as they stood beside their hero and idol for the last time.

With a total of only 93 to defend the bowling was spread around the team. All the bowlers kept their line and length tight as it took the Services 25 overs to reach their target, even if they did only lose the one wicket, caught Wormgoor bowled Saxby. The young Matt Lowther bowled well conceding only eight runs from his four overs but Langridge scored 45* to win the match for the home side.

Sorry we did not sign you off with a farewell win Jim. You’re a fantastic player and a gent and it has been an honour and pleasure having you at the club. I am sure I speak for everyone when I say you will be sorely missed. Good luck in the future and we wish you Tiff and ‘Mini Mitchell To Be’ the best of luck in the future.

Chris J Coates-Dale