Jamie's Revenge

Evening all,



Easton's paid us a visit on Saturday for arguably the most eagerly awaited return fixture of the season (see blog entry of 11th July for the full back-story). It was meant to be a 1pm start but there must have been a Bretty-esy miscommunication as they eventually tipped up closer to 2pm - with a noticeably stronger side than when we played them in July which might be taken as a sign of them being 'up for it'. I lost the toss and Chris (is it safe?) their dentist-captain inserted us on a pretty good track, which suited me fine.



We scored well from the first 5-6 overs with their pacy bowlers having very little control. High-speed canteen bowling you could call it. But they started to pin us back and with Steve and The Chair getting zip and Bomber and Andy out relatively cheaply we were struggling on 80-odd off 20 overs.



Enter J Halls. Now, Eastons should have known what was coming as Jamie had hit on super six over the pavilion at their ground, but even we were surprised at what followed. 125 not out, sir!Off about 80 balls. Including 3 consecutive sixes off Chris (is it safe? - err not if you bowl like that mate). Very well done to J for his maiden century and for hitting Chris for 24 off one over. By this time Ali had played a more than useful supporting role, scoring a half century, and I was now at the crease trying not to laugh as Jamie smacked the ball miles over the trees.



"How many balls you got left?" I asked Chris

"two more" he replied

"I wish it were more" said I



After thanking Chris for his over (and receiving a one fingered salute for my trouble) the fielding team then continued the good natured ribbing of their vice-Captain. 258 for 9. Oh, and did I mention Jamie was dropped 3 times, the first one a simple c&b chance when he was on zero. Surely it couldn't get any better?



Oh yes it could. We had a quick tea and I got (most) of the team in a huddle before their batters came out, reminding them how we felt when denied a win at their place, making sure we kept encouraging our bowlers and to keep lively. After 9 overs they were 22 for 7! How much fun is this? The Chair took 4 for 9 off 5 overs and Steve 3 for practically nothing off 4 overs. Ed had gone off injured in the first over with a strained foot, but other than that it was going better than we could have dreamed. It was one of those days when the bowlers put it in the spot and the batters did the rest. My highlight was Jamie's one handed catch at slip (his weaker left hand, naturally) - he was having that kind of day. And Chris (him again) got a duck - his first of the season....



To make it a contest I changed the bowling and the final 3 wickets went down (me, JW and Paul got a wicket apiece) and they managed 77 in total. It would have been under 50 if Jamie had bowled, but hey, village cricket and all that.



So, a 200 run victory when we were only 80 for 4 off 20 overs. Question: is this adequate revenge for being denied victory at their place due to an outrageous umpire decision? Yessir. And its victory number 7 for the Sat XI - not that I like to keep count or anything. I know what I'm doing.



Man of the Match: Take a guess

Champagne Moment: Jamie's maiden century (and any of the 6 sixes he smacked over the trees)

Mug of the match: the entire Eastons fielding team - 7 dropped catches in total. Thanks fellas



And Jamie did the tea as well - many thanks for that - it was his day all round.



Well done to Ed for hobbling back on the field and taking a good catch at mid-wicket to dismiss the miserable git who bowled full pelt at him when he was batting. Another revenge story. Nice one kiddo.



Next week IT IS A 1PM START AT THE GROUND! Opposition tbc - I'll call Bretty this week and make sure he tells the visiting team. The team for next Sat is:



Ali

Bretty (assuming his flu has gone away)

Charlie

Jamie

Patrick

Panther

Ed

Preecher

JW

Angus

A N other



See you next Sat. Till then, bask in the glory.



Preecherman