Detail: 22-05-2022 - Feltonfleet
Result: L by 1 wkt
Weybridge v The Blues CC Match Report - Sunday 29 May 2022
There have been many a blues record broken over recent years, however the record for the most tardy match report is not one you should be particularly proud of. But non the less, I'm happy for it to go on the blues honours board Ronnie ??
Now, one of the evident problems of writing a match report 6 weeks late, is that the memory obviously fades, especially when you're over 40. Luckily, I have the the blues legend "stat man Pikey" to help me out with photos of the scorebook, which I've asked him for about 10 times. It's a good job his patience is as good as his maths.
So here goes as I write this from Santorini airport, after spending 2 weeks with the Miss's, which is more than enough time together (probably too much, hence me writing this now and having some me time)
The Blues assembled on a glorious sunny Sunday at Feltonfleet Private School in the heart of leafy Surrey to face Weybridge CC. Now, this is the 2nd attempt at us playing Weybridge CC, as last years fixture was a washout. Whilst we were hoping to play at Weybridge CC's actual ground, this was not possible due to a 1st team fixture clash. However, Feltonfleet private school did not disappoint, with a glorious lush ground surrounded by beautiful buildings and leafy trees, coupled with copious nets, clubhouse, cold flowing beer, a TV to watch the last game of the premier league season, and a tasty looking BBQ for tea. Money talks, everything else walks.
Blues was lucky to be joined by two of Blues' legendary Stalwarts, Guy "Hollywood" Freeman & Big man Rolfie, making their first appearance of the season, and who have played for the Blues for over 30 years. And it was delightful for a change to have a a couple of blues playing who are older than me!
With blues loosing the toss and Weybridge surprisingly electing to field on a sunny day, Wardy and I strapped the pads on and headed into battle in the glorious Surrey sunshine.
With captains prerogative insisting Wardy took the first ball (there has to some benefits to being the Birdseye) Wardy and I faced off the first few overs ticking the scoreboard over (albeit slowly) Wardy departed after receiving an impressive ball from their opening left armer seam bowler. Big man Rolfie strolled to the crease and proceeded to smash copious amounts of balls for 4 to all parts of the ground. After scoring a quick fire 30, Rolfie departed after a fine catch at point.
Enter new comer Ben (Brandon's mate) who played solidly up until drinks to put Blues on 50 for 2 off 17 ( the scoring rate in the scorebook only goes up to over 5 so this is a guesstimate, improvement required scorers)
After being gently reminded at drinks that's it's a 35 over game and not a 5 day test match, I thought it was time to give the bat a swing. After a couple of 4's I departed quickly after drinks. Brandon aka "the Aussie run machine" came in at 5 and proceeded from ball one to smash the ball to all parts, pushing the run rate up significantly, with multiple 4's and 6's. A truly beautiful display of aggressive batting. However, no one is perfect, and after Jenkins strolled to the crease at number 7, the Aussie run machine sold the blues fixture guru down the river, running him out for not very many. As Jenkins took himself away to cool off, Brandon continued with his aggressive batting display, effectively supported by the stoic Simon Richards. Brandon impressively finished off the batting with an unbeaten 65 not out, leaving the blues with a competitive score of 184-9 off 35 overs.
As the blues strolled off for lunch thinking about that tasty BBQ, we were informed by the opposition that in fact the BBQ was for after the game, and not during lunch. Well, this was like a proverbial red rag to a bull for "Hangry Harry Jenkins" who has to eat at least six times a day to keep his energy at optimum levels. As always, Jenkins sorted the boys out and was in the car to Sainsbury's quicker than a rat up a drain pipe.
Refuelled with taste the difference sandwiches courtesy of Jenkins (only the best for the Blues) we took to the field hoping for a positive result.
The mighty Pikey kicked off the bowling with some tidy pace bowling, superbly securing the first wicket of he match, bowling their opener for 4. James Howe, steaming in from the other end similarly started well, sending their other opening packing for 8, with blues trotting along nicely at 32-2 off 6 overs. A back injury to James in his 5th over brought his game to an abrupt end sadly. Enter stage left Guy "Hollywood" Freeman ( for those who don't know, I believe his nickname is Hollywood because he's good looking fella) taking up the bowling reins, bowling tidily in the middle overs and was unlucky not to take a wicket.
Enter stage right Brandon, who at the start of match insisted he was only batting today. However, when their number 3 started teeing off with multiple 4's, it didn't take too much persuading to bring the competitive Aussie into the bowling arena. With Weybridge racing onto 82 for 2 off 13 overs, Brandon produced an excellent display of aggressive pace bowling, akin to his hero Dennis Lilley, dismissing batters 4, 5 and 6 in his 2nd over. It was certainly a joy to watch from behind the stumps, so much so I managed to drop a catch off one of Brandon's fiery deliveries.
With Brandon clawing us back into the game, the match was evenly poised at 94 for 5 at drinks. With Brandon claiming the prize wicket of their number 3 for 56 just after drinks, the blues looked like we were in business. Enter Jenkins who bowled some tight overs, capturing 2 wickets, ably supported by Rolfe at the other end. With some tidy batting from Weybridge's number 7, this brought the score up to a tight last over.
With Weybridge on 179-9 heading into the last over requiring 6 to win, Jenkins was handed the duty of bowling the last over against an old blues legend Jon Molloy, who has his name plastered all over the blues batting trophies from the 1990's.
Unfortunately it wasn't the blues' day, and after a couple of tight balls from Jenkins, Jon Molloy smashed the ball for 6 to win the match. The old blues legend still has it in the locker.
After a valiant effort from the mighty blues, we tucked into a tasty BBQ and cold beers put on by our generous hosts, sipping, eating and bantering into the Surrey evening sunshine. A great day was had by all, and it was delightful to see Alex Pikes girlfriend and Dad in attendance to cheer on the mighty blues.
A special mention and a big thank you to Ronnie for umpiring for the whole of the Blues' 35 overs, in what was a very hot day.
With the hosts informing us that they would love to play us again next year, let's hope it's a regular fixture, as it was a lovely setting with lovely people. Allez Les Blues x
Match statistics
Batting
Brandon - 65 not out ??
Bowling
Alex Pike - 7 overs, no maidens, 33 runs for 2 wickets
James Howe - 5 overs, no maidens, 34 runs for 1 wicket
Guy "Hollywood" Freeman - 7 overs, no maidens, 39 runs for 0 wickets
Brandon Lancaster - 7 overs, 3 maidens, 13 runs for 4 wickets
Harry Jenkins - 6 overs, no maidens, 32 runs for 2 wickets
Matt Rolfe - 3 overs, no maidens, 15 runs for 0 wickets
[updated 17 11 2022]