MATCH REPORT HOME V NATIONAL THEATRE 19 JULY 2009

Having officially been confirmed as Sunday Captain for the rest of the season by Club Captain Newham, Tasker proceeded to win the toss and decided to bat on a windy afternoon at Isfield with the constant threat of showers in the air.

The Sunday format was reconfigured to allow for rain interruptions and 35 overs per side was agreed (Win, Lose or Draw) with 7 overs max per bowler.

Newham and Brinky opened the innings (Slowly) the first 5 overs going for about as many runs as they combated tight, straight bowling from both ends.
Finally, Brinky let loose and started to find the boundary, closely followed by Newham. 

Newham fell first for 22, still smarting after an inside edge onto the ‘box’ much too great sympathy and mirth from the opposition!

Goodyear made his way to the wicket and proceeded to produce a fine restrained innings of numerous ground shots to the boundary before falling for 33.

Bailey, who had obviously had 3 shredded wheat for breakfast entered the arena and smacked the ball to all corners for an entertaining 22.

Brinky was finally caught on the boundary for an almost certain 6 by the opposing Captain who stands at 7 foot 4 inches who grasped a fine catch on the ropes. A fine knock of 42.

Tasker, (A Complete Twat) produced a text book forward defensive and then got caught at mid-off over stretching.

Cornwell tickled and knurdled some splendid shots for 8 and Buckle found form with the bat to hit a quick 20.

Barrett unfortunately failed for 0 and Hall hit a splendid 6 over point before he was dismissed. The 2 not out batsman being 2 new chaps, the Captains nephew Paul Orry and Ian Hunt.

Final score 173 for 9, a challenging target.

A magnificent tea was taken thanks to the efforts of Goodyear (Tea of the year contender)

WG then took the field, Captain Tasker then came into his own!

Hall and Buckle opened with an excellent spell. Hall fast and tight with Buckle moving the ball in all directions. Hall not taking a wicket in his first spell but very economical. Buckle taking 1 for very few. A possible caught and bowled chance was attempted by Buckle when the ball was hit straight back at him at full force, Buckle dived and palmed it with one hand then leapt like a dead salmon in an attempt to snaffle another a wicket. No joy!

Barrett and Cornwell replaced them, Barrett improving every game and Cornwell picking up another wicket.  As a result of Cornwell’s good length and accuracy Orry was moved to first slip, the very next ball an edge fly’s straight to him where he proceeded to juggle and have 3 attempts but alas managed to ground it.

Another fine piece of field placing, Goodyear was moved to extra cover, where upon the next ball was skied direct to his position where he took a fine catch.

Goodyear also produced a fine run out with a superb throw to Hunt who was keeping, from the covers region.
  
Runs were flowing steadily, even though we remained on top, therefore Brinky was introduced to the proceedings to ensure victory and bowled 2 overs for 2 excellent caught and bowled wickets.

Goodyear was also brought on as another inspired move and took a wicket with his first ball.

Hall returned for his final spell, his figures slightly ruined as his first 3 balls went for 4 over 3rd man before he took a wicket.

At this stage 5 overs remained, 2 wickets required by WG or approximately 50 runs by the opposition to clinch victory.

Therefore, the Skipper had no choice but to bring himself on, First ball caught and bowled. Second ball, caught and bowled, game over, WG Win!!!!!!!!

National Theatre 127 all out.

As stated earlier, this game was played in the true spirit of Sunday afternoon Village cricket - One of the greatest inventions of all time.