After a victorious start to the season, we eagerly awaited the next match which, due to the Old Olicanians pulling out of their tour, turned out to be a very youthful West Bergholt side.
Bures were inserted and again had a slow start, but once the Chairman had been dislodged, runs began to flow. Charlie E followed in the best tradition of all English batsmen by making a useful 20-30 runs before getting out. Will M, making his debut, batted beautifully for his 25, and then we were treated to some lovely stroke play by Jack C and Stu P, who both made 50’s, with Stu achieving this feat for the 3rd successive time. Due to this unprecedented achievement the Chairman immediately instigated a new rule that this should warrant drinks for all by the perpetrator for the entire evening! Orlando E and Giles G finished off the innings with some lusty blows, and we ended on a creditable 205 for 6, aided by some excellent running by our other debutant Damian.
West Bergholt seemed decidedly unfazed by such a score, and after Rupert T had removed their opening bat they proceeded to show us why, with copious shots showering the ground. Captain Carl having bowled the best 2 ball spell ever witnessed at Bures decided he had had enough (hope your injury mends quickly Carl), and we were lucky to be able to draw on further youth to replace him in the field with Ralph G. Orlando E took up the bowling reins from Captain Carl, and bowled with pace and skill, but it wasn’t until our latest recruit Damian took up the challenge that further break throughs were made. Damian, who claims to have been turning it prodigiously, took 2 wickets, and the ever reliable Charlie E took one.
There then followed an extraordinary spell of bowling, the Chairman taking his first 5fer in his 60’s, 4 of which were down to exceptional catches by Jack C (another contender for catch of the year) and Will M. Oh, what a joy to have fielders who can both move and catch! Ahmed, who had scored a wonderful 90, was finally out, and Stu P came on to finish things off.
2 wins from 2, will wonders never cease. Euphoria and drinks all round, and Joe Smith departed smiling. Although we suspect through gritted teeth!