Nine Men Went to Mow***

* Samfox
** Sambooka
*** Sampdoria
**** SamJanus
***** SamSmiths

I have been busy this week choosing my pic for an industry work thing-y I've been nominated for. I'm going for a kinda intelligent but naughty with a touch of louche mystery look - a moody b&w affair with film noir back liting. The darker the lighting the better Lou my pa reckons. Which reminds me, if any of you are the remotest bit interested go to www.spa-mr.com and check out the cute girls and guys I work with. A sup rising number of you have already done this (Steve Oakey, Ali, etc). But feel free anyway. Our website has just had a makeover so I welcome your comments. But do be kind. The gallery bit is great fun. Lots of pained expressions.

Talking of which, the best pained expression on Saturday was Sampfords number 5 bat who got run our by (super) Robert Halls on Saturday, although he gets beaten into 2nd place by their affable skipper Greg who got run off via a fluke deflection from Ali fielding his own bowling.

Honestly what a shithole Sampfords is. I know, I know I don't mean to slag everywhere else off but from the stupid 2-piece suite that carry out on to the outfield, to the complete carsey of a toilet (the rat holes are a lovely courtesy detail), the cramped changing room with not light fitting to the 'square' aka a patch of grass akin to what your dad would cut into the lawn at home to celebrate your first cricket set, it really is tragic. We HATE playing there, If it weren't for the bangers and chips gratis in the Red Lion after I don't think we would bother.

Details then. I won the toss and batted. We only had 9 players (sorry POB and JW - my mistake) and two of those were young Robert and Ned (aged 9). But we gave it a right old go making just south of 200 thanks to some explosive batting from Jamie and healthy contributions from Gus, Ali and James Potter (well done James). It was a good score and I felt confident at tea especially given our derisory start. But we'd feel it in the field with only 9 bodies. And we did.

But do you know what? I could not have been prouder. We chased, harried, and never let up and got 7 wickets and put the willies right up 'em. Charlie Potter (BGB) bowled the best I have seen him - aggressive and accurate and got 3 wickets including the 2 openers. Then Ned bowled and got a wicket, then the run-outs, then I got in on the act. But they won with 3 overs and a couple of wickets left. But with 7 men and 2 boys we sooo punched above our weight. Well done everyone.

Man of the match: Charlie for his bowling (and scoring the grand total of ....3)
Champagne moment: Rob Hall's run out
Mug of the match: me - for batting not bowling first


And there was a bit of argy bargy at the wicket. One of their guys was sauntering down for a single when Ali pinged the ball in. He just got home. I told him not to look at the fielder or he'd run himself out. He said he'd look where he liked, mate. Then Rob ran him out. I did warn him. And reminded him of this as he left the square. We shook hands though. At the end. Sort of.

Next week we are away (boo) again to Eastons (boo). Grudge game this and I am taking a rest. My mind has not been on it and my batting is woeful. So I need a break. Angus is in charge. The team is (tbc):

A. Silkstone
M. Silkstone
A. Ross
A. Pearson
Tom
Angus
Brucie
Steve Oakey
John Williams
Jamie Halls
Paul Lucas

But will confirm.

A great effort, a really great effort. And Sampfords get there revenge for us doing the double over them last year. Lets beat em at home, yeah?

See you in a fortnight. And for god's sake sort yourselves out!

This is Jon Pries, News at Ten, living in the moment.

Laters.

P