CtCCCC convened for a fourth renewal vs The Moose XI, at a gloriously sunny Barn Elms Oval in optimistic mood, despite a chastening loss to a West Indian Under-19 gun last time out. Spirits were further buoyed by the prospect of “The Big Three” turning out together for the first time since school (Ed - Coe not playing, for avoidance of doubt, Hammo not 'big') and the memories of a glorious victory vs The Moose last year.
Dean strode out for the toss, on a pitch was which could be described as "green, seriously green in places". “Tails never fails”, except when it did. We were to bat first. The Seamers Stable of Davidson, Gimson and Rutt chomped at the bit, the prospect of bowling with 300 runs on the board felt a certainty. Facilitating this the powerful union of Hammond and Shaw made their way to the crease only for Shaw to fall early, having wafted at a lot and middled not much. A predictably short and sweet innings from Cassels followed, no doubt he was caught MOMO, batting at 3 still not enough to sort out his enormous swede. The Big Three would come through for The Stable then. Hammond was the first of the triumvirate to fall, for 18, missing a straight one. Hesketh and Pearson combined and started to travel well. Hesketh’s innings was typical of the main making it look very easy as he flayed the supposedly First Grade Indian to all parts, only to fall short of a comfortable looking 50, “if only he’d applied himself” someone muttered (Ed: Coe, still nowhere to be seen). Pearson’s innings was similarly typical, making it look very easy as he caressed the ball to all parts. After the fall of Hesketh what followed was surely too cruel. Roberts run out from the first ball he faced for the second time of his CtC career. This correspondent feels it unnecessary to say any more, apart from that it was probably Davidson’s fault, despite Pearson being at the other end. What followed certainly was Davidson’s fault, his extremely dour 17 off 41 in the final furlong failing to capitalize on the the excellent position the middle order had put us in. Stablemate Rutt joined Pearson after the loss (read grateful loss) of Davidson, showing the sort of lusty hitting a man with a great salad is capable of. Stablemate Gimson was left in the stable, no doubt with his nosebag on. CtCCCC finished with 232 from their 35 overs. After a meagre tea the boys took to the field, The Stable fondly recalling days gone by when they routed batting line ups without the likes of Sherwin or Fairbank. These memories clearly clouded their vision as The Moose came out the stalls like a rocket. The Skipper cracked his whip and fired Gimson up the hill, combined with a change of ends for Davidson meaning some control was restored, though a distinct lack of threat prevailed. Desperate times. Dean, supposedly suffering from the yips, and eager to "move upstairs" brought himself on and immediately burgled a much-needed wicket. Davidson dropped another one. More shuffling of the pack. Cassels bowled a tight over. The spin twins of Pearson and Rudkin, R were brought on and managed to shut the stable door, with Pearson picking up a couple and Rudkin, R a single wicket and both bowling well, but the moose had already bolted. Rutt and Davidson returned to try and make up the gap, Rutt picking up a solitary wicket, but the gap was too large. The inevitable win for the Moose came in their 33rd over, deserved winners. Numerous dropped catches, missed run outs and probably being 20-30 runs short of something defendable were all to blame for another loss for CtCCCC.
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AuthorGeorge Dean. Archives
October 2023
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