"Metaphor"

All good things come to an end eventually. We have had some great times but the feeling just isn't there anymore. Hasn't been for a while if truth be told. No-one's fault. We just need a break that's all. Re-define the nature of our relationship. Move on the best of friends and it matters not what people think.

Yep - me and Dunmow Cricket Club need to take some time out. We have been seeing far too much of each other. Played them first game of the season, then an evening 20:Twenty with another 20:Twenty scheduled for next Friday and AGAIN on Saturday. Each time they field a weaker and weaker team to give us a chance. A relationship which is not of equals will not stand the test of time....

It was a GLORIOUS sunny day and The Park looked fantastic - thanks Bretty and Jamie for cutting the outfield and preparing the square. It was a good toss to win and we batted and set off like a house on fire scoring at 8 an over with Ali looking in top form. Then it slowed as their better bowlers came on. 174 all out with a couple of overs left (cardinal sin that) was well shy of par - we were looking at 250+ at drinks. Ali got a half century and for the second Saturday in a row looked set to score his maiden century. It will come my friend.

After a splendid tea (thanks to Angus and Tracy) we set about them and got two early break though wickets courtesy of Jamie and the excellent and improving Biggles (more use of Paul's nickname please). But they dug in. The spinning duo of Brucie (welcome back) and Preacher tied them up and we got 3 vital wickets between us, including the dangerous big hitting affable 'Spider'. And then Charlie came on and showed great maturity to get 2 more vital wickets.

Now get this. With 5 balls of the innings left the last pair are at the crease. They have scored 173 and need 2 to win. Jamie gets the wicket with a great delivery under pressure. We win! Or do we? Walking off Dunmow say we added up out total wrong and only have 172. As Bretty would say "bollocks" - the score on the scoreboard is the right score. Plain and simple. They should have checked. And let's not end the relationship for now on a sour note. Like arguing over the CD collection. Or the juice extractor.

So a GREAT win for Canfield and the closest game in living memory. The skipper knows what he is doing.....sort of.

Man of the Match: Paul Lucas - great bowling and fielding
Champagne Moment: The skipper's leg break that removed spider (sorry but I rarely get a mention and it DID turn the game - pardon the pun)

Idiot Boy Moment: Charlie lobbing the ball back to Jamie only for said ball to land on his bonce.

So a great way to end it all. Angus - I will pass on the Dunmow game this Fri if that is okay. I need some time on my own and to take stock. I wish Dunmow all the best. It's been great. And I love her dearly still obviously.... but more as a good friend now.


Next week we are away (groan) to Sampfords (groan) and then we have the start of cricket week (yippee). I hope the sun continues to shine. And if you got my email about the cricket tour make sure you come back to me in the next 2 weeks. The tour will be a blast as well. Shame its Suffolk... I'd much prefer somewhere like - oh I don't know - East Sussex maybe? Good place to buy a holiday home anyway.

The is Captains Blog living in the moment and everything is alright with the world.

Over and out.

Preacherman