SCORECARD

ALL ROUND TEAM EFFORT MAINTAINS UNBEATEN START TO THE SEASON

It seems the delayed start to the season has been a blessing in disguise for the Fitmen, as we have now managed to win three on the bounce; and quite comfortably too, I might add. I say blessing because the delay has deviously contrived to allow us to forget all of our excellent pre-season form, painstakingly gained from the bouncy indoor nets; thereby enabling us to adapt better to the slow, awkward and wet early season conditions encountered thus far.
At least the day was dry, albeit overcast and fairly chilly. I was invited by my teammates to call “heads” and bowl first. I am convinced there were no undercurrents of threat amidst the recommendations eagerly provided by the visage of smiling teammates.I am convinced the growls I heard were from my own stomach in anticipation of an excellent tea. It was, of course, a tactical decision, reached after careful deliberation and analysis of the nuances of the pitch; nothing to do with wanting to warm ourselves up, that it was to get chillier as the day wore on so we may as well get the fielding over and done with.
I duly called “tails” and lost the toss. Happily there were no cases of violent abuse towards the skipper and the Fitmen got their wish and we bowled first. Guy and Ash up top kept things tight and the oppo had difficulty in getting them away. Ash providing an early breakthrough with one that “came back in”,and was unlucky not to get more. Guy found rhythm as the spell wore on and was unlucky not to get a wicket - edges and near misses were regularly forthcoming without success from both bowlers. Eventually Atherstone re-built and were up to 65 odd for 1 with 3 overs before the drinks break. The match seemed finely balanced but with oppo probably slightly ahead due to wickets in hand. Things began to look a bit bleaker when a simple skier towards mid-off was dropped and the batmen must have been looking forward to drinks.

However, they reckoned without Dave Healey. Golden Arm was at it again and claimed 3 wickets in 2 overs to have Atherstone reeling at 70 odd for 4 at drinks. He was ably supported by Tony and then Ian, which reflected in the sharing of wickets. Mark TuckeRRRR did some excellent work behind the stumps and deserved his 2 stumpings. Dave eventually finished with 4 wickets, Ian 2 and Tony a well-deserved 3.Incidently this included 2 off the last 2 balls (working in partnership with Caesar Jr fielding at short extra) so Tony is on a hat trick next game.

The spell before drinks had been the decisive turning point in the game and the rest was a simple matter of how much the oppo could muster. Eventually they finished with 138, and so it was with great eagerness and enthusiasm that the Fitmen hurried back to the clubhouse (the excellent tea had nothing to do with this either, but deserves a mention).

The Fitmen’s reply to the modest total was aided by some generous extras proffered by their opening bowlers, with the one unfortunate opener completing his spell after his first over. Tom and Tahir fell cheaply in quick succession to give Atherstone some glimmer of hope, but this disappeared as quickly as the sun behind the clouds. Indeed, the second decisive moment was the excellent and match winning partnership between Butch and Green. Both played positively and ran well between the wickets. Excellent shots were forthcoming from both players and 1 shot in particular, was able to brighten the dullest of days: an extravagantly played cut by Rob, which had a bit of Caribbean flair about it, reminiscent somewhat of a,,, I don’t know.. a Collis King or a Viv Richards?

When Rob was eventually out, the win became a formality and it was left to Mark Butcher to hit the winning runs (eventually) with 1 ball to spare, although the result was never in doubt until Butch decided to block out the first 3 balls with 1 needed off the over. Mark finished with an excellent, controlled 70 no.

All in all an excellent day: the weather stayed dry; nice oppo; nicer tea, and even better result to boot!