Results:  Played 2 WON 2

Scores:  Wadhurst 160 after 35 overs  Mighty Alts: 161-5

 

Another game, another glorious victory – Wadhurst defeated

 

 

The team gathered promptly on a sunny afternoon at the glorious setting of Wadhurst Cricket Club. Only Mellowship was delayed, having taken a wrong turn into Wadhurst Bowl’s Club. A cluster of veteran lady players, keen spotters of new raw talent, were enthusiastically trying to recruit him as their new mixed pairs’ partner. Unfortunately, he had to disappoint them as he was intent on playing cricket.

 

We love you Mel

 

Boden won the toss and elected to bowl. The Wadhurst’s openers got off to a slow start. But with the introduction of Mellowship and Olliff at first change, this slow start stalled to an almost paralysis of scoring. Both bowlers displayed metronomic accuracy and unrelenting verve, trapping the batters into a deadly vice. Neither opener had the skill or adventure to wrestle out of the bowling headlock. By the end of the 20^th over, only 21 runs had been scored.

 

The return of Dan the Bowling Scrooge and his new bowling sidekick Mel

 

The Wadhurst faithful were growing restless in the pavilion, stunned by the becalmed state of the game. Spectators were contemplating leaving and making a start at the ironing, or maybe doing their tax returns. The only moment of controversy occurred when the umpire was required to warn Bodie for too much over-friendly chatter about the exquisite views across the South Downs.

But after drinks, the game sprang into action. Olliff (1-6) cleaned up one opener, whilst Felce (1-9) grabbed his maiden wicket when Thompson took a smart catch. This opened up the Wadhurst middle-order, who took up the challenge to re-ignite the game.

Both Wadhurst batters gave chances but scored quickly and skilfully, taking full advantage of the short leg-side boundary. By tea, the score had reached 160-3 when Wadhurst declared.

The Alternatives’ innings started with the early loss of Mainprize, but this brought the swashbuckling batting of Bodie to the wicket. Chappell played the anchor role as Bodie smashed the bowling with a succession of boundaries. In quick time, the score had reached 82-1 and the game appeared to be comfortably placed.

But then Bodie (48) was bowled by the wily, old stager of Wadhurst’s bowling who used his gentle looping deliveries to good effect on the deceptive slope and against the background of a setting sun. A clatter of wickets followed as the innings collapsed and accelerated towards the abyss.

Thank goodness for the calm discipline and authority of Chappell. Just like the salty sea-dog skipper of a leaking submarine surrounded by enemy mines, he guided his frightened, claustrophobic crew to safer waters. Chappell did not panic but stayed resolute, well aided by Bryden. The score advanced to 120 but then followed the next scare as Chappell (37) finally fell. This left 41 runs needed off the last 13 overs with 4 wickets remaining. Another nail-biting finish was on the cards.

 

King Kurt strikes out in the glorious early Summer sunshine

 

Clarke joined Bryden. Both played graceful cricket shots and were not lured into rash slogging to get the final runs. The Alternatives’ onlookers were reassured as elegant cover drives and controlled hooks were unleashed. The scoring was helped by the Wadhurst wicket-keeper who appeared to be protecting his fingers for any future hand-modelling contracts, generously allowing a steady flow of byes. The score was rattling along.

With 4 overs to spare, the game was won and victory secured to the Alternatives by 4 wickets.

 

Our glorious bowling quartet

 

King Kurt and “open all hours” Arkwright  - guiding the Alts to victory – (that clock says 7:50pm Keith, w-w-w-who’s minding the sh-sh-sh-shop?)

 

An absorbing and contrasting afternoon of cricket: comatosed inactivity followed by aggressive batting, comfortable progress and middle-order collapse, topped off with a tight finish as the sun slowly set. The late end meant there was little opportunity to celebrate a deserved victory. Everyone agreed it was time to go home after a swift pint and mutual back-slapping. Although, I could have sworn that I saw Mellowship take another wrong turn into the Bowl’s Club as he left the ground.

 

“A very good afternoon, the names Mel”. Perhaps a more feasible reason for  Mel’s late arrival !! 

 

Scorecard:

 

Wadhurst CC: 160-3

Bowling figures:

Clarke: 9-2-26-0

Scores: 7-0-34-0

Mellowship: 5-2-6-0

Olliff: 6-3-6-1

Felce: 2-0-9-1

Bryden: 7-0-44-1

Thompson: 3-0-14-0

Bodie: 2-0-10-0

 

Catches: Thompson (1)

 

The Alternatives: 161-5

Batting:

Chappell: Bowled 37

Mainprize: Bowled 1

Bodie: Bowled 48

Thompson: Caught 0

Boden: Bowled 5

Scores: LBW 0

Bryden: Not out 25

Clarke: Not out 16