29 June 10

OLs 154-5, Webb Ellis, 159-1,

Web Ellis won by 9 wickets  

This is what Tuesday night cricket is all about, one team going to the wrong ground, starting with 5 players, over 300 runs, some good cricket, (and more of the bad), loads of banter and a close game, which WE edged with one ball to spare.
 
WE allowed the OLs to bat first to rally the troops, and as Rich Hayes and Pete had some kit, they opened the batting, scoring 6 and 9, Skindog, promoted up the order a fine 28, off 18, Melv 14, Jamie B, playing his first game of the year after injury scored a fine 55* off 25 balls. A fine partnership with Rhys 27 off 19, a late hitting by Simon Rigg, 7* and OLs had a formidable, 154-5. All the bowlers bowled well, but went for runs, with chambers 2-32 and George in the wickets. Some indifferent fielding on a very hard a bobbly pitch didn’t help, but OLs if anything were at least as bad. Jamie behind the stumps was chief entertainer. Must mention a magnificent catch by George at slip, a one handed reflex effort, only to be ruled out for a no ball. In this game it was just admired and accepted, and on went the fun and games.
 
In reply Jamie and George opened the batting, and were intent on fun, trying desperately to run themselves and each other out. Jamie was dropped on 0, which proved costly as he ended up on 75*, to basically win the game, but unlike other big scores, we all appreciated he had a good day at the office, and wasn’t too good for the league. OLs just couldn’t get a wicket, as Fossy went for 44, Buffa, bowled brilliantly for only 17, Simon took the only wicket of George for 57, to finish on 1-29, and we won’t mention Billy the Fish’s figures, but he took it on the chin, with a smile. Dave Stewart came in to finish off the game, with 8, needed off the over he missed the first 2, to keep up the tension, then hit a 4 and a 6 to the delight of the huge crowd.
 
Both teams will take their rightful place in the B league, and the rematch could be just as entertaining, as OLs seek revenge.