AWCC v WBCC

Ashton Wold v Wakely & Barrowden
Saturday 26th May 2012


The sun was shining, the sky was a clear azure blue and the pitch was hard with a light covering of grass. The bumble bee skipped through the longer patches of grass and the butterfly basked in the atmosphere for the best day for cricket of the season thus far. The toss was won and in the glaring heat of the midday sun we elected to field. Luckily, the team enjoy running around in searing temperatures; if nothing else, it only aids any form of excuse for bowling ‘mucky poop arm.’

A strong start was had as Lloyd and Jack ‘Animal’ Wood peppered the opening batsmen, supported by tactical talking from the square leg umpire and Gerald. Two balls later, Richard clung on to a faint edge like a fat kid being thrown a cupcake. This was just the start of what can only be described as a laboured collapse – spanning a total of 37 overs.

The introduction of Doug ‘little bit like Chris White but not quite as grumpy’ Heath and final figures of 3 for 10 off 7 speak for themselves. His excitement of bowling to left handers was not only told but also shown as he bowled the perfect imitation of any first class swing bowler. Highlight of the innings could only be the slip catch snuffled out of the air, single handed by Sugar. Let it be known, on the night of the 26th May, Mrs Sugar was unaware of what hit her and against all biology and common understanding of the reproductive system, baby Sugars were created; we shall call them Sugar Lumps.

Sugar, along with Nigel, provided partnership destroying spells of bowling required to hurt the opposition further. To this point, there was no sign of any ‘mucky poop arm’ but this was all to change. Many have compared him to Graeme Swann, others mock but some realise the importance of the taking a wicket in the first over of any given spell. Following two mediocre looseners bowled by Jack, the third ball drew the batsman into swiping at a ball from outside the off stump, flying to the covers. Doug ‘I can only aspire to be as good as Harry Chapman’ Heath flew through the air like a gazelle on a hot plate taking a splendid catch. This was to be the end of the spectaculars as inspired bowling changes meant wickets fell and the innings came to a clear cut end of 117 to win.

Only four Aston batsmen were necessary to chase down the target. The opening partnership of Marcus and Gerald saw the lion’s share of the runs going at over the required run rate. A short spell of economical bowling from the opposition reduced the run rate to equal to required. This bored the umpires as each maiden passed. A class 50 from Marcus saw Ashton home to a comfortable win with valuable contributions provided by the supporting partners; including Dan and Richard.

In summary, a pleasant day was had by all

JA