Firstly apologises for a report almost as late as one of my attempted pull shots. We arrived in Bampton sometime in July (due to the lateness of the report I have no idea exactly when) with heavy sky’s and little prospect of a full 40 overs per side match. After some deliberation and negotiations with the opposition skipper we decided we would join the T20 revolution and opt for the shorter, dynamic and sexier game of t20 cricket between the now renamed Enstone Exiles and the Bampton Ballistic. In a change from the norm, we decided to bowl first hoping that Duckworth Lewis would play a part in the run chase. Enstone strode onto the field full of purpose, with surely our youngest ever debutant James Anthony at the age of 8 full of energy as he prepared to run from fine leg to fine leg for 20 overs! Things started well with a good tight start from the Skipper and TP resulting in an excellent run out by the former of their opener for 4. Will followed this up with the wicket of a small child for a duck and things were looking rosey for the Exiles. Unfortunately this brought some bigger hitters to the crease and despite some valiant fielding from Tom & young James the score increased at an alarming rate. Eventually one of Budgies teasing deliveries did for one of the Batsman for 46 but the relentless hitting continued until the last over which was bowled by James and went for a very respectable 9 runs and he was unfortunate to not pick up a wicket or two. A brave effort from the boys in the field as the Ballistic finished on a powerful 209-3 off the 20 overs (scoring at 10.45 runs per over) Will with 1-22 & Budgie 1-37 the wicket takers. After deciding to forgo Tea due to the impending biblical storm Simon & Will strode to the crease while the rest of the side built an Ark. All this biblical talk seemed like for some time it would inspire a miracle as Will with some powerful pulls and cuts (mostly off the same child he had earlier bowled out) propelled the Exiles score on at a rollicking rate. With Simon at the other end accumulating runs nicely it looked like we could actually pull this off. Just as the momentum was building and with the Exiles just behind on Duckworth Lewis the heavens opened and we retreated to the dressing room. The rain then relented but the momentum was lost and Will has cleaned bowled for a rapid 72 before firstly Simon for 48 and another debutant Ayam both fell LBW to the Ballistics young leg spinner. This left Freddie and James to play out the last couple of overs with Freddie not out 13 and James not out 1 as Enstone finished second on 156-3 from the 20 overs. An enjoyable if moist afternoon with Enstone finally dragging themselves into the 21st Century and embracing 20/20, as always though Cricket was the real winner.
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Smells like victory. It is said that the ‘good things come to those that wait’. This cricket report is probably not one of those. But needless to say your humble reporter will try to capture the incredible highs and lows not mention feats of heroic daring-do despite having almost recollection of what I did last night let alone nearly 6 weeks ago. Nevertheless, I will regale you all, dear readers, with the most important facts.
It was a very warm day as our team arrived filled with anticipation for the days battle in the filed against local rivals, Great Tew. The latter had conjured a team of seemingly small children and semi-professional South Africans and no skipper leaving them with just 8 players. Unusually, Enstone could field a full squad of actual players however, there was certainly some trepidation at the thought of being smashed around by one of ‘Tew’s loanees. Our skipper surprised us all by electing to field first. And at this point, dear reader, please allow your humble narrator to somewhat stall as I try to pluck the events from a memory somewhat pickled in beer and swimming with lines of current theatrical enterprises. But I recall our dander being somewhat up at having overheard the Tew opening children bragging about how many sixes they would hit and our sometime colleague Sam laughing as he spoke of our woeful abilities. They would have been best to keep quiet as their first was soon gone for just 11 whilst trying to massively take the piss out of J.Watts bowling. He may or may not have been caught by T. Peterson. It is hard to tell as the Tew children keeping score seemed to have absolutely no idea what they were doing and have credited several wickets to an Enstone player called Pench. I believe they meant French. Their number 3 also fell quickly, clean bowled for 7 from a wicked delivery by our skipper W.Speke, who had decided to actually aim for the stumps as opposed to hurling neck high bouncers at 12 year old children. He dismissed the next child for a duck caught and bowled. And the next, bowled for two. However, the South African semi-pro was next to the crease and he played with elegance and style. He and their opener who was refusing to go built a very healthy partnership of 152 with J.King getting 101 before retiring. The springbok was eventually caught in typical Gregory style. Dear reader, this narrator will never tire of B.Gregory’s antics. One can only deeply enjoy the way in which he tricks the batter into thinking there is now way in hell he could be caught only to be crushed by Gregory’s unbelievable ability to gather the ball safely from three feet behind him. Truly remarkable. Tew saw out the innings and advanced their score only by six more. They left the field a respectable 182 all out. Speke was the stand out of 9-1-23-3 Nine overs being a bit controversial and T. Peterson claimed the inexperienced children had nicked his maiden over. Tea was excellent, and I believe it might even have been provided by S.Parker. Enstone went out to bat confident but also wary that the children might be a little more handy with the ball than the bat. Parker and Speke strode to their respective creases, but despite the formers confidence he was caught out mid-wicket (can’t believe I can remember that) for just 8. F. Forder took his place. And there, dear reader, really, ends the story. Speke and Forder were indomitable. Despite being very good bowlers, the children found our two heroes impenetrable. Their bats flashed in the Oxfordshire sun and even Forder’s legs were a blur of speed as he batted to an Enstone career best of 83 and Speke 67. Enstone were victorious over 8 children and a semi-pro. And I, dear reader could leave my season not having embarrassed myself too greatly and safe in the knowledge that this team is firing on all cylinders. Many more victories await them and I look forward to the reports of great sporting feats (In probably a more expeditious manner than I could achieve). I shall miss you all and my Sunday afternoons in your exceptional company. Report by Dan Stewart An Enstone epic. There are landmark events in life that are indelibly seared in the brain. Moments such as when fear is conquered and you ride a bike for the first time without stabilizers. Another is your first kiss, hell without wishing to be too gushing, even your wedding day or the birth of a child. It has to be said that rarely does sport draw comparison with such memorable moments. Yet, without doubt or without even risking the slightest potential for an accusation of hyperbole, events at Enstone cricket ground on Sunday 18th June did achieve a likeness with those truly epic life events. Indeed, for the eleven Enstone representatives involved; whilst their time on this mortal coil may have been shortened by nerves, adrenaline or even straight mind pulping anxiety at the match’s finale, they will know that they were players, or fate plucked contributors, to an incredible piece of sporting drama that has assumed immortality.
Not that it was certain that eleven men would have the opportunity to have greatness thrust upon them. On Wednesday, as anticipation built, there were in fact only nine confirmed for action. Only by Saturday were eleven players allocated; Sam King and Alex French joining the party. In a further mischievous subplot, by then the opponents had ceased to be Astons, who could not get a team. Instead Islip – regrettably with only 10 players - would provide the fixture’s opposition on a perfect, hot June Sunday. Thus, the stage was set to determine whether Enstone could seize the day and record their fifth consecutive victory. At first the sporting gods seemed to be in a benevolent mode as fate awarded the winning of the toss to Captain Speke. The decision was made to field based on some previous tight bowling displays that had been the bedrock to the team’s winning run. Therefore, despite the baking temperature that restricted the ill phrased: ‘warming up’ to the most conservative efforts, morale was high and expectation honed. For the first session none of this optimism was misplaced. Hence, like when the sea is a cool blue mirror and a status for calm benign tranquillity favourable for you to venture upon, so the early bowling and fielding suggested a victory was merely a formality. Indeed, although Islip’s opener Epton prodded and occasionally drove convincingly, he would succumb for 15 expertly trapped LBW by Watts from a leg stump delivery. To compound this early ascendancy, Speke claimed three wickets: Crawford (6) with a fine catch by P Anthony in the slips; Sagir (4), caught by Peterson (after a decisive field change to midwicket) and Amman (1) also caught this time in the covers by Watts. Equally, Islip’s third man Thompson was removed by a fine catch in the covers by Wilson off K Anthony’s bowling. After an opening that could be summarised as a passage of shock and awe, Enstone had imposed a vice like hold. Indeed, there was no let up for Islip. P Anthony bowled tightly and was unlucky not to be rewarded with a wicket, whilst Peterson brought into the attack in the 18th over clean bowled Shahid in his second over for 12 to stifle a passage of post drinks resistance. With the visitors by this point reeling on 42/6, Enstone were now into the Islip tail and further fine performances in the field were now recorded. French recorded 2/5 with the removal of Nelson (7) and Abbas (3) both clean bowled whilst Stewart charitably stated that he had: ‘lured him [Faizaan] with poor bowling’ into conceding a regulation catch to Speke for 2, meant that the Islip innings closed on 78. Tea was taken and for the second week running it appeared as though Enstone could be home and hosed early. However, each of the following must be considered in consigning this suggestion to nonsense: the skill and determination of Islip in the field, the malevolent forces of fate and perhaps the fatigue of fielding in the heat. Whatever the truth, a deemed sporting certainty was about to be subjected to the most rigorous strain. Thus, Speke and King opened and for a time it appeared as though there was nothing to threaten the Enstone advance towards glory but with the score on 15 Speke was caught off the bowling of Sagir for 7. King followed with the score on 16 and suddenly there was a ripple in the sea of calm. Forder and Wilson moved the score to 26 before the latter was removed when caught off Amaan’s bowling. Two quick wickets followed as Gregory and Anthony were lost both without scoring. A storm of apprehension was now brewing as Enstone had slumped to 31/5. Calm appeared to be restored as progress to 41 was made between Watts and Foden. However, when the former was bowled by Shahid, the momentum appeared to be shifting to Islip as Shahid then bowled Anthony and Stewart whilst Crawford broke Forder’s resistance on 20 by bowling him to leave Enstone suddenly cut adrift in travesty’s tempest on 56/9. Victory, once seemingly assured, now appeared dashed as a now gargantuan figure of 23 was required from the final pairing of French and Peterson. Yet, this final passage of the game is what makes the occasion such a memorable one and also what makes cricket such a fascinating sport. After staring down the barrel of defeat from a former point of expected victory, French and Peterson battled with determination, heroism and fortitude akin to the efforts at Rorkes Drift when a plethora of Victoria Crosses were claimed. Thus, as the outcome of the day was confined to Enstone’s final wicket, each shot that registered on the scoreboard brought claps of approval as the heart rate of those watching and supporting the home team was temporarily eased as runs were added. Equally, each play and miss brought gasps of relief as a piece of sporting theatre was played out. Eventually, to the delight of the partisan support, French and Peterson magnificently steered the good ship Enstone through a passage of unexpected storm fury with the former recording 14 not out and the latter 9 to claim a famous, nail biting victory. Well batted gentlemen, surviving that cricket crucible – a medal as big as a dustbin lid is warranted for each of you for your redoubtable displays! Therefore, to close, as stated at the start, a fantastic performance by French and Peterson at the close but this was an epic for all involved. Many thanks must go to Islip for providing opposition after a cancellation and contributing to such a thrilling spectacle of cricket. For Enstone, forward in victory – JUST! There are many decisions that a cricket captain has to make on match day, dilemmas that the captain wrestles with in the build-up; snap decisions that can make or break a game; decisions that can transform a player’s season, or a team’s. These decisions are not normally made by Enstone Captain, Will Speke. Instead he normally mulls over slightly less significant decisions such as; ‘what pants shall I wear?’, ‘should I bat Peterson at 10 or 11?’, ‘squash or water for the drinks break?’, and the most frequently used ‘where the hell can I get 11 men from?’
This Sunday, in a departure from the norm some significant decisions were made which actually impact on the game. Well, one, maybe 2 at a stretch. The big one was the toss. The skipper won the toss, and after winning 3 on the bounce, twice batting first and once bowling first, it wasn’t a clear cut decision. The weather was set fair, if a little windy, so the decision was made, unusually, to bowl first. This proved decisive. Despite some textbook batting from Addy (20) and Kelly (19) the Enstone attack made light work of the OCCSCC batting line up. Watts made a couple of early breakthroughs in his opening 4 over burst, bowling Anderson-Pearce for 3 and having Shoucat caught spectacularly by Gregory for 4. Pete Anthony, opening up the hill in a bid to get rid of his hangover claimed Keighrey for a duck with a contested LBW (it hit the pad first), leaving OCCSCC 3 down for not a lot. Speke joined the fray and bowled a wicketless 8 over spell for 9 runs, while Myatt probed at the other end taking 1 wicket for 5 runs from 5 overs, including the vital wicket of Addy. A good decision looked to have been made. Following Speke’s economical but benign spell, the second significant decision was made in who to bowl next. The options were wide ranging, with Stewart loosening up like Dave Gahan in a Soho nightclub, Kev Anthony ruffling his feathers at the prospect of not being given a bowl, and everybody else avoiding eye contact from the skipper in the hope of not being asked to turn their arm over. In the end the skipper went for Kev Anthony, and a wise decision this proved to be. With the scoring rate at a snail’s pace and the wind blowing hard, the batsmen played into Budgie’s feathers. In a sensational spell of bowling Kev took 4 for 24 from 7 overs. Some solid catching from Watts, Speke, Gregory and the bowler himself accounting for Kelly, Parish, Ahmadazi and Nalir. Wilson (4-0-6-1) and Pete Anthony (8-0-16-2) picked up the remaining wickets, meaning that with 3 overs to spare OCCSCC were bowled out for an under par 79. After a lovely tea from Lesley Anthony, Enstone strode out to bat confident of hitting their target and enjoying a windy afternoon at the wicket. Speke and Burge moved things along nicely, waiting for the bad ball and capitalising on some inconsistent bowling. Speke eventually fell for 23 trying to play an ambitious drive, caught at slip. Forder replaced him and hit a strong and stable 12. Smith (2 not out) replaced Forder at the wicket and ably supported Burge (29 not out) in seeing Enstone home inside 14 overs. This allowed the Enstone team a rare early finish and some extra time in the bar. Reflections were made on the quality of the fielding and bowling, and how the skipper didn’t have any significant decisions in the win. This is as we always bowl first and Budgie was a dead cert to bowl as he has been in good form all season. Still, another successful Sunday for Enstone, played in a friendly way with amiable opposition. Old friendships and rivalries renewed The Enstone 9 had increased to 11 between 1.30 and commencing play at 2pm due to a loan of a fielder from Isis, a good sporting lot. Plus the press ganging of Ju Watts attired in Pony’s shirt/ jumper, Millhouses whites and Piers Myatt’s boots.
Skipper Speke won the toss and in good Enstone fashion inserted Isis. Watts opened from the Hoar Stone end, Pony from the Spinney end. Playing conditions Damp underfoot. Some good tight bowling led to an excellent return catch by Pony, splitting his thumb nail in the process. The sight of blood must have been too much for Umpire Ponsford who gave a first baller LBW to the incoming batsman. As Freddie Forder said would have taken all 3. Hat trick ball was well bowled, if Pony was looking for a leg side stumping. Consequently it was not successful. Overs were nearly in front of runs, the pressure seemed too much for Wiblin of Isis as he called for a single, enter Budgie who swooped like an Eagle to fizz the ball to Forder who removed the bails; an excellent run out. Speke replaced the old cart horse Watts and was getting great movement. The run out was too much for Wiblin and with fantastic bowling Speke removed him. Peterson was now on for Pony and joined the party with a stinging delivery to remove Jacobs. Danger man Ponsford was now at the wicket but the Speke Budgie combination saw him off. Budgie flew like an Eagle to catch Ponsford. The ball was following Ju around the field to fine leg. Simon Parker was in good form with his encouraging comments, he will be missed when he is off on his travels. Bullet arm Wilson nearly accounted for another wicket with a Run Out. Forders glovers were getting warm. Myatt replaced the excellent spell by Peterson as frustration took hold. With a lack of LBW decisions gong his way the Gaggingwell express refined his bowling to claim 2 wickets. Bowling Whiter and sending the stumps airborne. Pony replaced the skipper at the top end the run rate worm was sinking. Runs were at a premium but Enstone wanted wickets so the skipper turned to partnership breaker Budgie Eagle Anthony. Needless to say a well taken catch by Forder brought the result of a wicket. Watts returned to claim a half pint wicket well caught by Wilson and Isis all out for 76. Thanks to Isis for providing an extra fielder. Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Watts 5.1 0 10 1 Pony 8 2 17 2 Speke 8 5 11 2 Peterson 8 1 13 1 Myatt 8 2 13 2 Budgie 3 1 7 1 A wonderful tea followed, thanks to Mrs Forder assisted by Mrs Anthony. However rain kept coming down and the game looked to be heading for abandonment. Luckily we hung on and the conditions improved for play to start. In tough batting conditions Speke and Parker started well however the ball was not running to the boundary due to the wet conditions. Parker was LBW to Wyatt, in the meantime Speke was ploughing on. Forder joined and Enstone chipped away at the total of 76. Pressure was mounting on the umpires for more LBWs. The captain continued with fine shots to reach a well-deserved 50. As the winning total neared Enstone played some expansive shots and lost the Wickets of Speke and Forder. In came Kev Anthony to hit the winning runs, joined by Wilson. An excellent game and the spirit of cricket was the winner. Thanks too Ned, Keith and Ju for umpiring. TP for scoring. On a very warm late May afternoon 11 men from the 3rd battalion, Enstone division, entered the Somme (aka Islip) ready for battle. There was a full team this week including the return of Enstone legend Alex 'Jizza' Speke. The skipper went for the toss and surprisingly called correctly allowing him to employ the increasingly more common batting first approach, this looked a wise decision on a pitch with more gremlins than BA's computer systems. Pony, who was still somewhere on the M40, was able to relax and slow down. W.Speke and Sparky were first over the top and into the fray and were looking comfortable, even with the totally unpredictable bounce, and moved serenely on to 28 before the Skipper was caught off the final ball of the 8th over for a well made 20. Sparky followed from the first ball of the next over, unlucky to get one that stayed very low, and was adjudged to be out LBW for 5. With Forder and Wilson Senior now at the crease stability returned and the Enstone batsmen made light work of the Islip attack with boundaries coming regularly including a big 6 from Steve. With the score moving to 69 Forder was given LBW and departed having made 19. Budgie was the next man into the breach but was unfortunate to get another ball that stayed low and he was bowled for 1 with the score on 74, the pitch was now starting to have a decisive influence on the proceedings. John Watts was the next man in but was caught behind for 2, with Steve getting to his obligatory 30 before also being caught behind. Pony, who had by this point arrived, tried to accelerate the run rate and galloped to 13 before being bowled, this bought Wilson Junior to the crease, to accompany Somme veteran D. Stewart, Wilson launching 2 big fours before being the next man out, LBW, for 8 with the score on Nelson. This brought TP to the crease, who had managed to promote himself up the order, he intelligently declined to take the single on offer, sending Stewart back then watched as Dan missed a straight one and was bowled next ball for 3. Jizza was the last man in and was promptly the last man out as he glanced his first ball straight to the man (boy) at 3rd slip. Peterson protecting his average with a strong and stable 0 not out without facing a ball. Enstone were all out for 111 from 32.3 overs. With the early conclusion of the first innings and the news that tea wasn't ready the teams turned around straight away with John and Pony taking the ball. Watts started brilliantly and bowled the number 2 batsmen for a duck, the perfect start when defending a moderate total. Islip then made slow progress towards the 8th over when tea was taken. After tea W.Speke took the ball (having replaced Watts in the 7th over) and bowled with typical accuracy missing the outside edge on numerous occasions. It was Pony though who made the breakthrough, having been hit for 6 from the previous delivery he removed the opener with an aggressive ball that took out the batsman's stumps after a wild swing, this was matched by an equally aggressive celebration sending the Islip man on his way, he obviously didn't know it's not a good idea to make Pony angry. The big hitting Saghir was the next man in for Islip but his stay was short lived mis-cuing the stock W.Speke delivery high into the air with the skipper taking the catch himself. Wickets were now coming regularly and Will took 2 in 2 balls (Both kids, just like Ned) and both bowled with the first being an expertly bowled off cutter. What Will needed now was a sympathetic umpire for the hat-trick delivery, unfortunately his Dad wasn't there and even though there was a strong shout for LBW the batsman survived Will finishing with impressive figures of 8-2-6-3 although there was a general consensus that the scorer must have made a mistake. At the other end Jizza was keeping things tight and rolling back the years with some fantastic deliveries, Dan Stewart getting particularly excited with the Jizz based puns, as shown on his new water bottle... Alex being unfortunate to not take a wicket but finishing with fantastic figures of 8-2-26-0. Pony returned and removed the dangerous and extremely annoying bus driver with a straight one that trapped him LBW with no shot being played, the bus driver held his ground trying to prove something but the umpire was unmoved, Pony finishing with 8-2-30-2. TP was now bowling down the hill produced a masterful display of extremely slow bowling, taking two in two in his 6th over. The first was a straight one that kept low and hit middle stump this surprised everyone with Freddie commenting that he didn't know Tom could do that, the next man in, wearing his Grandfathers woolly jumper, hit the next ball straight to Steve at mid-on for a comfortable catch. The hat-trick delivery was beautifully flighted but unfortunately drifted slightly down the leg side, this was certainly not jug avoidance. The scores were getting close and there was tension in the air but in Tom's next over the batsmen tried to take a quick single with the ball being hit to Jizza at mid-off, he collected cleanly and threw accurately in to TP who gleefully whipped off the bails to run out the young number 3 who had made a patient 16., Tom finishing with 8-0-20-2. Watts had returned at the other end and as the score reached 98 the batsmen tried to take 2 byes, Freddie audibly frustrated with the inconsistent bounce. However the batsmen mis-judged the raw pace of the skipper who picked his knees up, chased down the ball and arrowed it in to Forder to complete the run out in what was an unusual and certainly not moral tactic from the wicketkeeper. Watts finishing with figures of 7-0-21-1. This bought to an end an excellent game of cricket with Enstone winning by 12 watched by a record crowd of WAGS, who have worryingly started to plan a weekend away, but as long as it's not in the cricket season then the heroic men of Enstone will be fine.
In advance of any great sporting event preparation is key. For the members of Enstone CC, about to battle arch rivals Wytham in a must win match, a variety of approaches were taken. Dan prepared a new Paul Newman based anecdote to relay to the team, Freddie purchased the book, “Sledging for wicket keepers: a beginners guide”, whilst most of the team spent time either on the Physio bench or spraying themselves with WD40 in attempt to avoid further injuries and silence creaking joints. Will meanwhile got lost the night before (highlighting his worth as a Geography teacher) and mysteriously ended up in Kiev, participating in the Eurovision song contest (having cut his teeth singing ‘the wheels on the bus’ to the Enstone CC youth supporters wing the previous Sunday). With only 9 players, the skipper elected to bat first and with opening partner Parker, got to work dispatching indifferent Wytham bowling to all parts of the field. After hitting 7 boundaries, and sharing a substantial opening stand, Speke departed for a well-made 32. Parker continued his imperious form, passing 50 for the second time in as many innings for Enstone. The score moved to 151 before Wytham were able to take a second wicket, Forder being run out for 27. S Wilson joined Parker at the crease who fell just 12 short of what would have been an excellent century. The foundation having been set by the top order, the middle order (with 9 players there was no tail!), marshalled effectively by S. Wilson (who was eventually caught in the final over for 31) chipped in with useful contributions to take the score to 218 for 7 at the end of Enstone’s 40 overs. There was a sense of optimism amongst the Enstone 9 as they took to the field after tea. Watts and P. Anthony kept it tight. Pony won the first moral victory of the Wytham innings when, despite trapping their opener plumb in front, the umpire was unmoved. Shots were hit in the air that fell just out of reach of the fielders as Wytham limped to 50. Eventually Speke was rewarded for his accurate bowling with two catches in quick succession going to Watts and then Forder behind the stumps. Wytham rebuilt, but just as one of the batsmen was getting his eye in, hitting a succession of sixes, he was caught in the deep going for another big shot by P. Anthony, who took it comfortably despite not actually seeing the ball until the last possible moment. If Pony’s catch was an example of ‘liquid cricket’, then the next wicket to fall was anything but. Stewart came onto bowl, lulling the batsmen into a false sense of security with a few loose deliveries before pouncing with a ball that the batsman could only lob gently into the air. Stewart ran towards the ball, and with his eyes fixed on glory, promptly dropped it. In the meantime the batsmen had decided to begin a meeting in the middle of the wicket. A distraught Stewart didn’t notice the run out opportunity and what followed had uncanny resemblance to an Alan Partridge sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwW3ytid4DA Happily he did finally come to his senses, he then threw the ball to Forder who took the bails off with the batman well short of his ground. From this point on, Enstone’s victory was never really in doubt The wickets continued to fall in an excellent display of catching from the fielding team including an outrageous caught and bowled from D Wilson, which made up for the fact that he had previously lost his pocket money for launching the ball at his father’s face.
Wytham finished on 167-9 off their 40 overs. Enstone won by 51 runs. It was a glorious late spring day in Enstone as the teams arrived. Enstone took the usual decision to bat first and as the opening pair of Speke and Parker took to the field rest of the team settled down for some sunbathing and discussing the work of the late, great Paul Newman. After enduring the best the FFMCC could offer in terms of bowling the opening pair seemed to be settling in for a good spell but having hit a stonking 4 W. Speke got a little over excited and mistimed a shot and was caught. As he left the field an Enstone player asked if the bowler had done anything special and the captain replied by quoting Paul Newman in The Sting “Hell, no. I just cut into him!” F.Forder then took the crease but decided not to hang around long, out for just 6, as he needed to learn more about Mr Newman’s filmography; about which he was woefully ignorant. Claiming, outrageously he had never even seen Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Parker was undeterred and continued to frustrate the opposition by smacking the ball all over the field. He was helped for some time by A.Smith (3) and more notably by S. Wilson who shrugged off his lingering thigh strain to notch up a healthy and productive 30. To quote Paul Newman in Colour of Money “You make him feel good, I teach him how to run.”
Spirits were as high as the warm sun over West Oxfordshire and S. Parker passed his 50 with a cracking shot for 4. But just as he was setting his sights on a season debut tonne he too mistimed a shot only to be caught like his unfortunate Captain. It was, however a remarkable bat notching up a brilliant 67. This left J. Watts, who quickly settled down to some excellent run making, and B. Gregory who had set aside his essay marking to grab bat and pads. Sadly, despite a valiant stint he was embarrassingly run out by Watts. And leaving the field he complained bitterly “You can’t play your friends like marks, Hooker”.Also quoting Paul Newman in The Sting. P. Anthony established a useful partnership with Watts as the run total grew but sadly Watts marched down the wicket to attack a loose delivery from a FFMCC spinner only to completely miss it and get stumped a good 10 feet from his crease. D. Stewart took to the field desperate to beat F. Forder’s 6 and after a sizeable 4 and a couple of singles a delivery that really had some pace to it took his off stump, just. It brought to mind Paul Newman's line in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof “People like to do what they used to do after they’ve stopped being able to do it”. D. Wilson had a brave knock before being caught out. Leaving T. Peterson and Anthony a few deliveries to try to get to the 170 that Pony so wanted to reach. They did it despite .Peterson never actually hitting the ball despite a valiant effort of the final ball. Enstone left the field for tea with a healthy 171 and high hopes for the first win of the season. After a delicious scran by K.Anthony Enstone set up their field and welcomed the opening bats. Watts and Anthony quickly set about them with some impressive accuracy and ferocity keeping the run rate very low with three maidens between them. Speke took over and with a look of steely determination quickly took a wicket. When the new batsman didn't give quite the respect for Speke’s bowling that it deserved he was reminded of Paul Newman’s line in Butch and Sundance: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”: “Listen, I don’t mean to be a sore loser, but, uh, when it’s done, if I’m dead, kill him.” There was no need as Will powered a wicked delivery past the disrespectful batsman chipping a piece of the stumps with it’s venom. He got a little fortunate with his third dismissal as the umpire gave lbw for a delivery that pitched and stayed well on the legside. Surprisingly Speke did not complain about that umpiring lbw call and the Umpire was heard to wryly quote the famous movie star, Paul Newman “Boy, I got vision and the rest of the world wears bifocals”. As drinks were taken at the half way mark there was no doubt in the mind of the Enstone players that victory was assured. However, the two batsmen returned to the crease with renewed focus and intent and started taking quick singles and boundaries. T. Peterson took over from Anthony and despite some accurate bowling couldn't find a way past the bat or to keep the runs down. Stewart took over also at the other end and similarly found the runs adding up. He did take the wicket of the dangerous left hander brilliantly caught by Wilson at point. Peterson almost immediately dispatched the new batsman only for another left hander to arrive. By this point the two bowlers were tiring at the expense of pace and accuracy and Stewart especially was probably kept in an over too long. With ten overs to go FFMCC still needed 68 to win yet with 4 left were somehow within 20. The field grew quiet and desperate; mistakes started creeping in to simple fielding. Both bats were dropped and even with the inclusion of S.Wilson to bowl and the return of Watts the damage had been done and the total was passed with 10 deliveries to spare. It was an agonising loss made worse by how convinced the lads were of victory. Nevertheless it was a good all round performance and there were positives to take with them into the next game against Wytham. The boys could do well with remembering the words of Oscar winner Paul Newman in Harper. "The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise." Maybe it’s time for Enstone to be creamy bastards again. The NHS is a wonderful institution, a national treasure and something that Enstone Cricket is proud to support. Our method of support? –Getting as many injuries as possible when fielding, then visiting the doctors in the days that follow. After last week’s hand injury to the skipper, alongside a dodgy back for Peterson, the race was on to see who could get the best injury. As Enstone surprisingly fielded first, the Oxenford batsman seized the initiative with some powerful hitting. Pete Anthony and Jon Watts were punished for any error in line or length. The prize for first casualty went to Piers Myatt who stopped a stinging drive, in true Julian Watts style, with his shin. Shortly afterward Pascoe fell to Watts, bowling him with the help of an inside edge. The number 3 batman followed shortly afterward, LBW to a clever slower ball from Pete Anthony (6-2-23-1). Enstone sensed an opportunity and the scoring slowed. Yet it was Manwell who was causing the Enstone bowlers the greatest problems. Despite bowling changes causing some pressure, as the batsmen got used to the bowling, they hit out with power. Speke (3-1-20-0) felt the brunt of this with the second injury of the day, as he dropped a sharp caught and bowled chance and damaged his thumb. Rouse (6-1-31-1) and Myatt (8-2-28-0) helped keep things tight and ensured the batsman worked for their runs. Rouse claiming the wicket of Rainer caught by Myatt at point. Despite some strong bowling from Kev Anthony (3-0-23-0) and Peterson (6-0-50-0), the runs continued to accumulate with Manwell hitting a fine 100. As the Enstone fielders chased around the pitch more injuries followed, with both Stewart and Wilson succumbing to leg strains. The walking wounded continued to try and stem the flow of runs, with Watts (8-1-42-2) coming back with another wicket and helping limit the opposition to 222 when more seemed likely. Following a fine tea, Enstone emerged from the changing room strapped-up, dosed-up and prepared to fight for victory. Oxenford’s opening bowlers tested Enstone’s top order with a mixture of pace and swing. The pace of Shafi undoing Kev Anthony (0) and Forder (4). Wilson and Speke then saw off the opening bowlers. With runs starting to flow, thanks to the injured Wilson having a runner in the form of the ever athletic Pete Anthony, optimism grew. Then the skipper fell to Shackleton for 28, with Wilson following shortly after for 25. At this point a collapse of Enstonian proportions seemed likely, with Myatt (0) and Rouse (2) both falling cheaply. Yet the steel of Enstone’s lower order should not be underestimated. Watts (21) and Pete Anthony (17) played some glorious shots to keep the game going, and a potential run chase in the offing before both fell to Pascoe. Peterson made a fluent 7 not out, while the injured Stewart (0) was unable to emulate the glory of last week, partly down to his injury.
Enstone finished on a disappointing 114, but some lessons were taken from the game; don’t stop the ball with your shin (Myatt), stop dropping batsman that go onto to make big scores (Speke) , warm up properly (Wilson and Stewart) and don’t volunteer for running (Pete Anthony). More importantly the team realised that the talent and capability is there, but we need to take our chances and capitalise on starts with the bat. With a full team in the offing for next week, who knows what could happen. Whatever does happen, let’s hope there is there is an ambulance in attendance, just in case. The first game, fresh from a winter dreaming of nailing that cover drive or taking a hat trick to win the match, the Enstone boys prepared to take on an old adversary in Islip full of hope and no little expectation. Perhaps before the match started was a sign of things to come as no stumps were to be found anywhere, were we about to embark on a game of cricket using a wheelie bin as stumps? Thankfully the skipper found the stumps and even the bails and to all of our surprise we found ourselves in the field first. An excellent start followed, tight bowling by Pony & Will and latterly Piers controlled the Islip run rate with Piers taking the early wicket to leave the visitors struggling on 40 odd for 1 at the 20 over drinks break. Whether it was the excitement of having squash instead of the rather suspect water bottles, things changed rapidly after the break. The number 3 batsman came out with real positive intent and what followed was the match turning moment as he launched a delivery from TP high into the Enstone skyine, the skipper steadied himself and we were all awaiting the inevitable catch to follow, whether he became distracted by a stray banana or spotted a tyre swing the skipper missed the ball and alas the catch was not taken. From that point on the batsman did not look back, smashing Steve, Budgie, Tom and Dan into the trees, gardens, roads and nearby counties at an alarming rate to start to take the game away from us. A few wickets fell towards the close with Piers with 2, and Steve and Pony with 1 a piece but Islip set Enstone a more than challenging 201 to win. After an excellent Enstone tea with a surprising lack of bananas Budgie and Will strode out to the middle intent on chasing down the target. After batting well in the nets by playing nice and straight Budgie decided now was the time to bring out the hoik across the line to a straight ball and was bowled for a second ball duck. After this less than auspicious start Freddie and Will played some delightful shots to bring Enstone back into the game, Freddie hit one magnificently moral straight six which would have easily cleared those hard to find upstairs toilets in Chutneys. Unfortunately shortly afterwards Freddie departed for a well-made 18. Next in strode Steve, so often our hero and with him and the skipper at the crease hoped remained. Unfortunately for Enstone the same number 3 batsman (who appeared to be a cross between Gary Sobers and Wasim Akram) came steaming on to bowl and removed Will for 28 with a good delivery which he nicked to the keeper before he bowled Piers first ball with a frankly unplayable delivery. Ben bravely saw off the hat trick ball and gamely stuck in there before being dismissed for 2. Then in strode Dan Stewart who played with all the style and panache you would expect from a thespian as he and Steve forged a useful partnership before Steve holed out to the spinner for 22. Dan Wilson came and went for another duck before Dan finally fell for 15, James Anthony remarked that he had never seen Dan bat for so long before and seemed confused by what he had just witnessed. Pony joined Tom at the crease but the position was now hopeless and Tom perished to leave Enstone all out for 105. So on a day that started full of hope and expectation it was the hope that killed us as we suffered a crushing defeat, however as always Cricket was definitely the real winner. |
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