Sampford Lose Thriller

A dreaded sunny day
So lets go we're we happy
And I'll meet you at Sampfords estate
Oh Alec the bowler is on your side

A dreaded sunny day
So lets go where we're wanted
And I'll meet you at the Sampford estate
Oh Alec the bowler is on your side
But you lose
Coz Jamie Halls is on mine

(Cemetery Gates, Morrisey & Marr - with apologies)

Sampfords Away. It's one of those matches you instinctively look for when the fixture booklet gets circulated around the club. Along with Eastons, and to a lesser extent, Lyndesll, Sampfords are one of Canfield's Sat XI 'rival teams'. Having never actually played them I don't really know the derivation for this supposed friendly rivalry. In truth, its probably because they're better than us, as their regular thrashings of Canfield illustrate (they bowled us out for 60-odd last year). But I see as I find and I approach the game with an open mind, and just to be sure, the strongest team I could muster. It would be nice to give 'em a game. I have phoned selected players ahead of this fixture telling them to 'be up for it'.


In the winter months I help out with the Thaxted Rangers U14 youth football team. Indeed my company, SPA (http://www.spa-mr.com/) has sponsored the players since they were U10s. Young Ryan Webster is their goalie. He also keeps wicket for Sampfords. I will be expecting some banter when I go into bat...


Our XI was as follows:



Bretty (in the pub before the game)

Andy D (late - as usual)

Jamie

Clint (late due to 'problems with bees....' don't ask)

Steve

Paul Halls

PoB

Preecher

Ed

Angus


Ali


Even without Bomber (who was rested) and Mike it's a fairly strong line up. Jamie is in top form at the moment, esp with the ball and his uncle Paul bowled very well last Sunday on his return from injury. And we have the batters to get some numbers on the board. And with no game last Saturday we are all rested and raring to go.


I won the toss and elected to bat. The pitch was dead. And the outfield hadn't been cut in 5 days (much to Bretty's irritation). It's a win/lose game with no limit on the bowlers. I agreed. Alec, Sampfords opening bowler then proceeded to bowl 13 overs straight on a perfect line and length, nipping the ball back down the slop. No wonder they didn't want any bowler limitations! We made 152 in 40 overs which was a good score given the conditions and well done to Clint for his 47. And yes, young Ryan their 'keeper stumped me as I faced their leg spinner. Time for tea.

I put Jamie and Paul Halls on for a reason. Anything Sampfords can do we can do better. Jamie, off a 3 pace run-up, could bowl all day. His 13 overs for 19 runs with one wicket was utterly fantastic bowling. Their openers couldn't get him away and they soon fell way behind the required rate. At the other end, Paul was tempting them and they soon hit out and Paul got two early wickets. I came on at Paul's end, then swapped ends to give Jamie a rest and snared their other opener. With Ali now bowling at the other end the wickets kept falling. Steve came on and pegged their big hitting Captain back. Then another (some might say inspired) bowling change saw Clint take over from Steve and get 2 wickets in his first over, both catches to Ali at square leg. Jamie came back on to take the last wicket. Canfield had won by 14 runs with 3 overs remaining. Joy.

This was Canfield's best team performance of the season. We fielded very well (two run outs thanks to Jamie and Ali) and looked sharp all day. The bowlers all played their part and we kept up the pressure and held our nerve towards the end. But we did this all with a smile on our faces. I couldn't have been more proud.

Sampfords were good losers and we were gracious winners. They laid on a great tea and were a warm and welcoming side and I look forward to hosting them in August. Rivals? I don't know what all the fuss is about.

Man of the match: Jamie for outstanding bowling
Champagne moment: Ali's catch to get their Captain out off Clint's 3rd ball

Personally, this was my best match as captain. The bowling changes worked and I had no hesitation in pulling myself off as soon as I got expensive. Its a team game and we all showed that in abundance. You laso have to prepared to try things and take risks. I'm learning that.

Next Saturday we are away to our great rivals, Eastons, who have recently beat Lyndsel and Sampfords. And their pitch is a SHOCKER. But do you know what, I couldn't be more confident.

Lets do it. Chris, the Eastons Captain, be afraid. Be very afraid.

I love you all dearly.

Preecherman