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.
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