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Major controversy! No not the dispute about the cleaning roster or even the “discussions” relating to first team selection. Not even the disagreement with the Groundsman on whether the pitch was fit to play. The major talking point of the week from the readers of these reports was, "Where is Blackledge?". Has he finally had enough of the spiteful attacks on him from his captain? Well to everyone’s relief Blackledge returned, so weakened and confused from a week spent ravaged by fever in the South of France that he could remember little about his expensive jaunt; serious delirium had apparently taken hold. In old JRs absence the question being asked was “Is he up to keeping wicket?”. Well he did and made a remarkably good job conceding only 5 byes and making an excellent catch. A minor display of temper marred the performance slightly but more of that later.
Taking the groundsman’s advice, “the wicket will play better after tea” I elected to field first; a decision that was to haunt me for the rest of the match. Kimber chastened by his experiences bowling for the first team last week was short of rhythm and confidence, although his opening bowling partner Fenner continues to improve with every match and is the bowling find of the season. However it took an inspired piece of fielding from Kimber to break a stubborn Haverhill opening stand. With only one wicket to aim at Kimber managed a direct hit run out, surely a contender for Blackledge’s “Champagne Moment Award”?
Now Mouse (Martin), many years before our younger players were born, used to be an accurate and effective seam bowler. However due to a series of operations on his arm, few in the team can remember these halcyon days. Mouse reckoned that a recent cortisone injection might allow him a few overs. “Give him a go” was Blackledge’s sage advice and seven overs later, after a display of guile and control that most of the older members in the team never thought they would ever again witness, Mouse walked rather contentedly although some what stiffly back to his position at fine leg. Now was this display of skilful bowling Mouse’s swan song or was it the start of a cricketing Indian summer for one of the most popular members of the club. Of course we all have our fingers crossed for the latter. Despite Mouse and Fisher bringing some control to the middle part of the Haverhill innings the wicket taking bowler was Mingay, continuing with his good form of previous weeks and galvanised by what the team thought was “bizarre action by their captain” when I called the Haverhill captain [Jones] back after he had been given out LBW. Blackledge having told me that the ball had hit the bat was aghast at my display of unnecessary sportsmanship and Mingay; well, he was clearly very angry because from that point every ball he bowled was accompanied by an enormous grunt which to me seemed to indicate a certain malicious intent which I hoped was directed at the batsman although it could have been intended for me.
Although a chance or two went down the Brockley ground fielding was again of the highest standard, we might not be the best batting or bowling team in the league but I have yet to see a more enthusiastic or motivated fielding side.
Opening the batting with Fisher and spending 35 balls over a tortuous four runs how I regretted taking the grounds man’s advice to bat first, the wicket was much slower and lower or was it a figment of my tortured and troubled imagination? Every stroke I played found a fielder and it was almost a relief when I heard the sound of the stumps being cart wheeled. It was scant consolation to me that the rest of the early order struggled and Brame like me, a front foot driver, suffered a similarly tortuous innings. Only Blackledge who reverted to type to play some back foot scoop shots came close to mastering the Haverhill bowling and that awful strip. Fenner with useful support from the tail gave our score an air or respectably, he scored an attractive 31 during which he hit his first ever senior cricket six - a feat which gave his watching grandparents enormous pleasure.
The match was played against our old rivals in good spirit however the Haverhill team do argue ferociously amongst themselves every time we play them; they are worse than the Reed family with hang overs. They were winning easily; it was a lovely evening in delightful surroundings what could they find to get so cross with each other about? The only time in recent years when they have been cheerful and united was when one of their batsmen broke my car windscreen!
Vice captain Blackledge decided, despite fierce competition from Kimber with his spectacular run out, to award his “Champagne Moment” to Fenner for his first ever senior six.
Fenner together with Martin were candidates for this week’s Man of the Match but the clear winner is Mingay for his “angry” spell of hostile bowling
Footnote; there are nine players who every week would like to bowl; it is therefore impossible for every one to bowl every week. I understand that players will be disappointed if they don’t get a chance but I would hope that there will be a degree of understanding for the problems the captain faces in keeping everyone happy? Whilst it is important for everyone to be involved we must continue to strive to win matches.
Phil Reed |
