A close fought match ended in defeat for brave Enstone in thick sea fog… the Enstone captain Will Speke put Astons into bat having arrived late and having decided that he didn’t have time to put his pads on. Astons had been bolstered by the addition of three fine players from Islip. Enstone had called on the youth team to fill the ranks and were pleased to welcome Marcus Croft and Sam Eykyn both still at primary school but whom were soon to show the “old boys” like Freddy how to field! Enstone opened with Ed Croft, who took on the “attack leader” mantle and decided he would take advantage of the slope, he duly earned his right to lead by returning figures of 2 for 17 from 8 overs and may have had more were it not for some uncharacteristic drops in the slip cordon. Pete Anthony at the other end was also very tidy taking 1 for 38, figures which were slightly spoiled by a few late boundaries and a number of expletives which can’t be published. With Kev Anthony missing Tom Peterson decided to slow down his bowling to great effect for 2 wickets, including an excellent stumping. Sadly it was clear that with 92 for one of the Astons senior batsman, their score of 165 was always going to be tough. This was not before a fabulous last over from young Marcus Croft, in which managed to hurl down a maiden of the highest quality! So to the run chase, which commenced after very cheesy lunch provided by our resident Hollywood celeb “manly” Dan Stewart, whom was recovering from a long walk in the peak district. Enstone's batting lineup had a new look to it, with Adam Smith being welcomed back for his first game of the season and Alastair Eykyn (of BBC Radio 5 Live notoriety). After an early bath for Speke dismissed for 9 and a leg side strangle for Freddy for 8 runs a very nice partnership developed between the new boys. Adam Smith went on to make 19 including a sumptuous straight 6 which went into the Paddocks! His exit brought my good-self to the wicket and with promises of taking it easy to support Alastair in his innings, Paul promptly smashed his first ball to Cover and was caught for a golden duck…which was rather irritating. Alastair went on to score 40 including some very tasty boundaries, briefly joined by Tom Peterson who contributed a few lusty blows to take the team within 60 runs off the last 9 overs. “Big” Ed Croft was by this stage handing out a Churchillian speech on the boundaries about “everything being do-able…until it isn’t”. He sent out his son Marcus and his school friend Sam to do his dirty work for him and to their significant credit garnered 3 and 8 respectively. Ed Croft strode to the wicket eventually as our last hope, lever’s whirling like some giant threshing machine….sadly Freddy "the Finger" Forder was umpiring and he promptly gave him out for 1 and that was the end of that. Paul Newton
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