Fixtures and Results | Match Reports
Date | Against | H/A | Link | Result | Captain/Score | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sun | 1 / 9 / 2013 | Lapworth | Home (YW) | Report | Won | by 171 runs. Old Mo 324-2. Oppo 153-8. |
SCORECARD
They Don’t Call it “The Graveyard” Without Reason
Old Moseley Arms 324-2, Lapworth 153-8; Fitmen win by 171 runs
For once, Captain Rob Green was able to field a full strength team, with no late drop-outs, despite Sharif withdrawing on Friday owing to an abscess on his leg. That at least saved one problem, given that Sharif, Adrian Martin and Ash Hussein were all vying for top spot as leading wicket taker. The second problem was in deciding a batting order in a team that can boast the likes of Simon Howarth, Tom Caesar, Tahir, Mark Tucker, Richard Harris and Martin Chisholm – all amongst the runs in recent matches.
So, we welcomed to “The Graveyard” our old friends from Lapworth, and were pleasantly surprised to be invited to bat on a belter of a wicket, on which 580 runs had been scored the previous day. It was to turn out to be a graveyard for bowlers on both sides as we shall see.
Our Greek Hero “Achilles” and Tom opened up and after a steady start soon began to accelerate, with Simon taking the lead in scoring resulting in a 50 off only 55 balls, surely laying the “Turgio” appendage to rest. The fall of Simon, with the score on 107 brought Tuckerrr to the wicket and the acceleration continued, such that when he in turn fell, 46 runs had been added from 6 overs.
A target of 250 had been pencilled in as a “par” score by Monsieur Le Capitan, but what was to ensue when Tahir strode to the wicket can only been described as pure carnage. Lapworth had seemingly reserved their better bowlers for the final 15 overs, but Tahir unleashed a fearsome assault on the bowling to produce a century off only 60 balls; the second 50 of which took only 18 balls (Ade continues to remind us that this was 2 balls longer than his 50 took the previous season).
Tom meanwhile batted at his elegant best to reach his century in the final over, carrying his bat for an eventual 103. A final score of 324 may well be a record for the Fitmen, and certainly it has never been the case that 2 batsmen have hit centuries and another scored a 50 in the same match. Yet there were still the likes of Harris, Chisholm and Martin champing at the bit in the pavilion.
Tea was once again a veritable feast, putting the Chipping Norton effort to shame. Tuna and Ham Salad Sandwiches, backed up with pizza, chips and pakora certainly tickled the taste buds, and Caribbean Coconut Caaaake (to be pronounced with a broad Burnley accent) and Chocolate Refrigerator Cake(courtesy of Liz Green) proving to be particular hits.
The Lapworth reply began with Tony Caesar and Ash opening the bowling, both in suitably parsimonious mood, until Ash was forced to retire from bowling duties with a calf injury. Replacing Ash was Adrian Martin, who soon removed the opener courtesy of a smart low-down slip catch by Mark Tucker. Though scoring was slow, wickets were hard to come by and Chris Jones and Richard Harris were unable to take more than a single wicket apiece, despite their best efforts. Chris finished with 1-15 from his 6 overs, and Richard 1-31 from 8 overs.
Back came Ade for his second spell, but despite beating the bat and inducing “Chinese” cuts was unable to add to his wicket tally. At the other end Rob bowled his “Meat Loaf” overs (Two out of Three Ain’t Bad) , capturing the opening bat with a full toss that was hit straight to Chris Jones at mid-wicket, before Tuckerrr and the Chairman rounded off proceedings; Tony gaining 3 wickets and Tuckerrr clean bowling the Lapworth No.7 off the last ball.
All in all a stunning performance by all concerned, with every player contributing in some way with bat or ball, as should be the case for a club such as ours. As for Man of the Match, you can make your own judgement, but I feel it would be churlish to do so.