Following the previous week’s stonking victory against Foxbury, we descended on the Wok to see how long we could continue this unbeaten run as we welcomed Old Colfeians. They are a side we have played numerous times before – at home, we had good results, away less good results (painful memories for this author as he tries to block memories of being despatched into nearby housing several times in an over, but less about that…)
After winning the toss in a 35-over shindig, skipper-for-the_day Rossington elected to field first on a warm, slightly overcast day. Opening the bowling this week would be Alex “King Louie” East on his brief visit from Uni up north, and he wasted no time in cleaning up the opener in his first over, before deciding to withdraw from the attack after three overs, due to not “feeling it”, I presume… At the other end, I was throwing down my usual slow medium all sorts and managed to trap the other opener lbw. The scoring rate was slow and Walkie soon claimed another victim as he replaced Alex, bowling the Number 3 with an absolute peach. Paul replaced yours truly and, as is standard these days, snaffled another wicket and they are 30-4, going nowhere fast. Kuldeep’s son Bukkan was brought on to replace Walkie, and again bowled amazingly well – so much control for someone who is knee high to Stumpy (and that takes some doing!) After spending most of the day fielding at midwicket, Rossington decided to go there and take all the glory by plucking one out of the air to give Bukkan his first wicket for the club. He then grabbed his second shortly after by bowling one of their middle order. Joining the Old Colfe’s skipper in the middle was familiar face – Double O Dino who was guesting for them as they only had 10. I shortly proved Rossington right in moving me as I dropped an absolute dolly from Dino off Nick’s bowling. They then proceeded to hold us up with a partnership of nearly 50, the skipper nudging and nurdling, and Dino showing us an array of drives and elegance the likes of which we haven’t seen for a while. Eventually new boy Dean struck as Dino went for a pull shot and was grabbed by Ted at square leg for a fine 25. Shortly after, Kuldeep tried having a bit of banter with his son Bukkan who didn’t take it well, got a bit upset and disappeared to fine leg. Old Colfe’s innings closed on 102-8 and, with family disputes resolved, we tucked into the usual variety of meals.
It would be Kuldeep & Rossington to lead the charge and take us towards victory. However this is Stone, so nothing is ever straightforward. Old Colfe’s follow the Stone way of pace and slow opening, and it was the slow bowler that started the panic as Kuldeep flicked one to mid-wicket for 0, before Ted & Dean both played down the wrong line and also joined the duck club. Alex strides out at Number 5 and looks ok until he miscued one to mid-wicket for 2. Meanwhile Rossington was at the non-striker’s end looking on thoroughly unimpressed as we have slumped to 13-4. Walkie in at Number 6 played relatively sensibly by his standards and scored a fine 27 before he is caught. Rossington then unfortunately raised the nerves level by having a momentary lapse and was bowled for 34, with us still needing 25. It was left to the ever reliable Stumpy 12* and see-ball-hit-ball Nick 15* (6 off his second ball – playing himself in!) A win by 4 wickets with 11 overs to spare, continuing our unbeaten run. Kuldeep deservedly wins Poo bag of the day for getting a duck and upsetting his son during the game, while Bukkan deservedly wins PotD for taking two wickets and ignoring his father. All this came after Stumpy showed a surprising turn of speed to ward off some youths who threatened to walk across the roped-off square – let it be said, Stumpy can run when he wants to…
That’s enough from me this week, I’m out!
– Rich