MATCH REPORT 22 APRIL 2007

AWAY V FINDON

40 OVERS PER SIDE

WG 163-9, FINDON 157 ALL OUT - WG WIN BY 6 RUNS.

ATKINSON ATOMISES FINDON

There was a cracking display from Lee 'Atom' Atkinson (copyright Krizo) all the way out west at Findon.  Some thought the slope had been levelled out a bit, but it didn't feel like it when chasing the ball down the hill to the boundary.  The electronic scoreboard was still in place, and we even got to operate it during our innings - what a treat!

Batting first we made 165 thanks to James not walking and Lee not giving two caught behinds. Emile batted with a runner (me) and K2 (short for Keeno mk.2 or Jamie) hung about for a few overs.  Some scampered singles by Dave 'moleman' Williams and Martin 'swinger' Fellows closed the innings.  Extras top-scored with 53. 

Big tea with cream cakes, but no sandwiches.

Then the drama.  Atom opening from the road end demolished the top order with four quick wickets including two in two balls.  Dick was diving about like a mad thing, collecting the wides and preventing the byes.  Then a stand, then another, then Keeno's back on following a disappointing spell from James who seemed unable to control his direction.  First ball of the new spell, wicket.  This brought on their big fella with a bat to match; an old-fashioned, not to say pre-flood, Newbery Zeus which could have been a part of Noah's Ark with edges as wide as the Mersey.  Bang, crash, wallop, all over the leg side; it was like watching a bulked up version of Lee.  The gap is closing, but Atom hasn't run out of energy yet.  Another wicket, then another and now we're pleading for stuff down the leg side to be called as wides so he can have another shot a getting eight.   8-0-7-26, not bad for early season. 

Now time for Dick's master stroke (as it were).  From the pony field end, where I got distracted and was thinking about which horse to put the ball next to and not watching the ball, on comes Emile, who's been resting at slip and guzzling Martin's neurofen.  12 needed and nine down. First ball to the big fella - BAM, four runs over deep mid on.  Next ball - BAM, out to deep mid on where James gathers cleanly.  The batsman are asking if they can get home for two, yes, they go for it.  Throw comes in on the bounce and Em whips the bails off, not put off by the runner who's left his bat at the far end and tries to slide into the crease on his knees, Fellows fashion. 

A win for WG, and Lee bought his jug.  What a gent

SB