A confessional blog this week I fancy. I've enjoyed a small number of highs playing for Canfield in the past couple of years: my 6-for against Lyndsell last year for instance, the 5-for against Bairds, reaching a high score of 29. Of yes, I've touched the stars in a cricketing sense more than once. I've also come off the pitch feeling wretched. Saturday was another of the bad times you just have to take with the good. Such is life. It won't be the last time.
We were right to forecast a tough match against Flitch Pilgrims, a wandering side with a core of players made up of ex-Felstead public school boys. And, just like The Jam's 'Eton Rifles' they dished out a damn good thrashing to the commoner upstarts of Canfield. Well almost. They were, it must be stressed, damn nice 'chaps' who played the game in a great spirit once they realised their state educated opponents were in a different (i.e lower) league.
Firstly, it would have been a good toss to win. But Yogi, their captain, elected to bat and they made 278 with strength all the way through their line up. As Captain, let the record show I had a bit of a shocker. Apart from running Paul out when dashing a needless single, turning my right ankle chasing a straight drive and performing a 5.7 prat-fall in the rough at the far end of the ground and bruising my left index finger stopping a single, I also contributed to 77 of their runs whilst neglecting to bring Brucie back on to finish his spell. I suspect Brucie's mood that came my way after the game had a lot to do with that. A Captain mistakes such as these are mine to make as I travel the trainee Captain's odyssey. I will learn. Right, that's enough of the hirsute confessional.
There were some notable Canfield highlights; not least a FANTASTIC never-to-be-seen-again diving catch at extra over by Andy 'velcro' Davis to remove their big hitting South African. We were all absolutely gobsmacked. Good on yer mate. Unbelievable.
But this was Harry's Game. Rayner jnr bowled his 5 over spell very well, showing the Captain on more than one occasion how to loop the ball up properly, taking a key wicket in the process. Harry also batted with maturity well above his years as Canfield fought to save the game, occupying the crease and following the Captain's defensive plan to the letter. We were all mightily impressed and it will do Harry's confidence the world of good. This, and for keeping focused and alert in the field all day, makes him Canfield Man of the Match. Well done - arise Prince Harry.
So we earned a draw. We didn't have much choice with Mike getting out early on ("bad luck Mike" I said. "No, it was rubbish, Jon"). It was that kind of day. Ali got his usual 40-something and Andy Davis a rapid-fire 38. But when Bretty fell to his 2nd ball after Ali had been bowled by a neat in-swinger our only option was to defend for the remaining 15 overs. Feeling responsible for the plight we were in I felt it was the Captain's job to help try and get us home. So after 19 overs I had scored the princely sum of 9 runs. Sorry, make that 6 runs - that's the score recorded in the score book.... and I played on aswell, and Ali dropped a catch of my bowling. And, and, and, boo-ho...it was just one of those days, okay?
But Canfield did sneak home to earn a draw and that's what it was all about. Our Eton Rifle Rivals were very generous opponents and could have moved up a gear or two if truth be told. That said, they couldn't bowl us out (ha-ha) and the game was saved as was our 100% unbeaten home record. So lets not get too down hearted.
Champagne Moment: Andy Davis's catch-of-all-catches
Man-on-the-Match: Prince Harry
It was a hot day and w'ed have loved to have batted first, but that said our fielding was below par (Andy Davis's apart) but well done everyone for keeping at it. Thanks to Paul and Lynda for a yummy 1st class tea - along with Andy's catch the highlight of my day.
Next week is another toughy. Away to Lyndsell where the meanies play 'win or lose' and have a strategy of preparing a hard, true wicket to suit their top order batsman who pile on the runs, so putting the pressure on the visitors. We know how it works. We came damn close to humbling them last season with Bretty only 13 shy of a century. We will be without both Andy and Mike for that game, although Bomber should be returning. As ever, Canfield will give it our best shot.
2pm at Lyndsell next week everyone. I'll leave my hair-shirt at home.
Keep the faith,
Preecherman
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